By Cpl. Jordan Johnson
Third Army/ARCENT Public Affairs
CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait -- In 1933, when the Nazi party rose to power in Germany, the Jewish population in Europe consisted of more than nine million people. By 1945, two-thirds had been murdered in accordance with the Nazi policy to eliminate the race.
To recognize the Jewish community, and all minority groups affected by the Nazi regime, Third Army held a Holocaust Remembrance Day Observance at the Zone 1 Chapel here April 12.
"We're informing Servicemembers and educating them about what took place during the Holocaust," said Maj. Michael A. Boykin, equal opportunity advisor, 113th Sustainment Brigade and Garland, N.C. native. "From 1933 to 1945, there were more than six million Jews, and millions of others, persecuted and systematically killed under the Nazi regime of Adolf Hitler."
As project coordinator, Boykin researched sources such as the U.S. Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. and prepared for a vast audience with a myriad of Holocaust knowledge, he said.
"For some of you, this will be the first time you are made aware of the Holocaust," Boykin stated. "For others, it will be a reminder of what you may have read, and some of us may know of someone affected or heard of stories about the Holocaust. No matter what category you belong to, we must remember."
As the carnage created by the Nazis slips further into the annals of history, remembering the events will become more challenging, said Boykin. By not remembering the mistakes of the past, history is doomed to repeat itself, he said.
"Without new testament, people begin to question whether the events of the Holocaust actually took place," Boykin stated. "According to recent surveys, 22 percent of those surveyed say it seems possible the Nazi extermination of Jews never happened. The history and lessons of the Holocaust must be passed on to future generations."
In efforts to pass on the history of the Holocaust to new generations of Servicemembers, Col. Lawrence W. Meder, chief of staff, 364th Expeditionary Sustainment Command and a Reservist out of Seattle, spoke to the assembled Servicemembers at the observance.
"I'm deeply honored by this opportunity to be here with you because I do remember, I will remember, and when needed, I will act," Meder said.
In addition to honoring the victims of the Holocaust, Meder also stressed the importance of giving respect to the people who assisted their Jewish brothers, he said.
"We come together to remember the rescuers, those who decided to act, no matter the consequences to self or family," stated Meder. "We also remember the American Soldiers that liberated the death camps across the European Theater and gave care to the victims."
As he finished his speech, the colonel shared uplifting words with the audience.
"Be proud of your service and the long line of Servicemen and women who've come before. When the hands of time bring the past to the present, remember to choose to act," said Meder.
Third Army is shaping the future by educating its troops about the past in efforts to prevent such atrocities from happening again.
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