Nellis prepares for Holocaust Remembrance Week Published March 31, 2015 By Staff Sgt. Kristina Overton U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Among the various horrific tragedies that have taken place in the world, one of the most well-known is the Holocaust. The Holocaust was the persecution and mass murder of more than six million Jews in World World II by the Nazi regime. To recognize and pay homage to the many historic, cultural, social and economic contributions of Holocaust victims and survivors, Holocaust Remembrance week will take place at Nellis Air Force Base April 7 to 14. The base will be hosting several events throughout the week to help raise awareness. "It's important to remember, because it really wasn't that long ago," said Tammy Johnson, Holocaust Remembrance committee chair. "The truth of it is that at that point in time, a civilized country turned against its people and slaughtered millions, imprisoned children, and tore apart families. We cannot forget this and events like it because we have to ensure that we are educated about genocide and the reality of what it is and what it does. The events on base are a great opportunity to do that and meet individuals who survived this dark era." The theme for this year is "Holocaust Remembrance Week: 70 years After the War." "Our hope is that everyone who attends will benefit from this first-hand and hear personal accounts from survivors," Johnson said. "And that they will continue to educate our future generations. Opportunities like this are becoming more and more rare as these amazing individuals are getting older. We need to hear their stories and ensure that their legacy and memories are learned from and not forgotten." The following are upcoming events: · Holocaust remembrance commemoration and candle lighting ceremony, scheduled for April 7 at 10 a.m. at the Base Chapel. Holocaust survivors will be present to share their stories, followed by a reception. · "Kristallnacht: The Night of the Broken Glass" will be shown followed by a Q&A with Holocaust survivor, Alex Kuchel. This event will be held April 13 in Bldg. 340 in the video teleconference room at 10 a.m. · Holocaust remembrance luncheon, April 14 at 11 a.m. at the Club. The luncheon will feature a guest speaker and will have 10 Holocaust survivors present to share their stories and answer questions about their experiences. · Educational information will also be displayed at the Base Exchange on April 8 and 9. For more information about events during Holocaust Remembrance week or to sign-up for the luncheon or commemoration, contact Staff Sgt. Kristina Overton at 702-652-7200, or Tammy Johnson at 702-653-3330.
