Tuesday April 25, 2017
What is it?
Congress established the Days of Remembrance as the nation’s annual commemoration of the Holocaust. The commemoration is observed this year from April 23 to 29. During this week, the Army community joins the nation in remembering not only the millions of victims and survivors of the Holocaust but also the heroes whose actions saved an incalculable number of lives.
More than 70 years ago, witnesses to the atrocities of Nazi-occupied Europe were faced with the choice of stopping the persecution of their neighbors and fellow countrymen or standing by in silence. While many people opted for the latter, fearful for their own lives, some remarkable individuals chose action over fear, courageously standing up to tyranny and hatred.
What has the Army done?
Army senior leaders encourage its community members to honor the courage of those individuals who chose to take a stand against persecution by continually rejecting all forms of prejudice and bigotry and remaining vigilant to ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
The Army community will commemorate the victims and survivors by remembering their stories and enforcing Army policies that ensure all community members are treated with dignity and respect.
What continued efforts are planned for the future?
The Army community pledges to treat people with dignity and respect while expecting others to do the same. These acts of respect allow the Army to appreciate the best in other people. The Army honors the courage of those individuals who took a stand against persecution during the Holocaust and those individuals who take stands today against the same types of destructive behaviors.
Why is this important to the Army?
The Army and its community members’ recollection of the Holocaust events not only serve to keep the nation and the Army community alert of the results of unchecked hatred and bigotry but also serves as a reminder of the strength and courage required to stand victorious in the face of adversity.
Remembering is important as the total Army family employs the Army values (i.e., loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage), which are the foundational tenets of the military profession and the watchwords that guide the actions of individuals in illustrating acceptance and inclusion of all people – regardless of their ethnicity.
Resources:
Subscribe to STAND-TO! to learn about the U.S. Army initiatives.