For Hans, the childhood dream of riding the rails is transformed into a life or death game of survival. As seemingly insurmountable challenges assail him, young Hans clings to a thread of hope in order to overcome the fallout of Hitler's war machine. The glow of hope glimmers in Hans' heart, even during his darkest hours of despair. Ultimately, the beacon of Lady Liberty's torch is reflected in his grateful tears as he sails into New York harbor to embrace his new life in America.

Shari Drake is honored to put her father's memories on paper so that his story, and that of his father's, is not forgotten. It is her wish that his heartfelt memoirs serve to inspire hope and build dreams even in the most dire of circumstances.