Holocaust: Days of Remembrance revisited

  • Published
  • By Capt. Russell Massey
  • 505th TRS
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Almost 60 years after the Holocaust, all we can do is remember the deaths and destroyed families, the fear and the brutality. Each year's Days of Remembrance or "Yom Hashoah" call the nation to remember. The purpose of the observance is to reflect upon, learn about and never forget what happened to the millions silenced during the Holocaust. 

Why do we cast back our minds to all this today? We don't do it to dissociate ourselves from our own history and or point our finger at others who were guilty. We do it to learn how people should and should not behave toward each other. 

This year's Days of Remembrance activities were intended to dedicate the period not just as a commemoration but as a living memorial. 

Hurlburt Field accomplished this several ways. The highlight of the observance period at Hurlburt was an excellent history and awareness program at the base chapel led by Dr. Gail Wallen of the Jewish Family and Children's Service from Tucson, Ariz. She offered a one-hour background lecture on the Holocaust and was accompanied by two survivors who told their own stories. Nothing brings to life the enormity and stark reality of the Holocaust better than a first-hand account from someone who actually experienced the tragedy. 

The Days of Remembrance commemoration was established to combat the forgetfulness that time brings. Our nation commemorates the days annually so that each year anyone who does not know will learn, and so people who have learned will never forget. It's important to remember this event and apply its lessons to our lives. The victims of the Holocaust deserve this respect and remembrance. 

There may come a day when our Armed Forces will once again have to combat an enemy attempting to repeat the Holocaust. Hopefully that day will never come. Nevertheless, it is pertinent that each member of the military be educated and sensitive to the memorials dedicated to the 11 million who lost their lives.