Heading Away From Home to a New Land

The Andreas Arnusch family leaving for the United States.

Sometimes you must leave a place before you can look back and appreciate it, question your life there and move on.

In our family this photo is famous.  It has come to represent everything that has happened since their arrival in the United States.  It also represents the bravery and strong will of people who choose to make a new life in a new land.

This photo was taken of the family aboard a train at Bremen, Germany.  Left to right are Andreas Arnusch, his sons Nikolaus, Hans, Franz and his wife Katharina.  In their eyes you can see many of the emotions they were feeling; a little joy, a little apprehension, and certainly hope.  They were leaving behind them, as much as anyone can, the fear and uncertainty of World War II, but also family and friends many of whom they would never see again. 

I often wonder what the boys must have been thinking, but they don't talk about the past very much.  Nik was 16, Hans 10 and Franz just 2. 

This is their story.  Through pictures and words I will share what I know of their past and where this train trip ultimately led them.