JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
Soldiers and civilians of Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. gathered at Jacobs Theater to honor the victims and survivors of the Holocaust during a "Days of Remembrance" ceremony, April 24.
Jay M. Ipson, Virginia Holocaust Museum president and holocaust survivor, took time to talk about the history of Jewish persecution during World War II, which resulted in the extermination of more than 5 million men and women, and more than one million children.
"I've got a question for you," he said to the audience. "Can a thing like the Holocaust happen here in the United States?"
Ipson continued speaking, allowing his audience time to ponder the question.
"In the United States, we've got over 1,018 hate groups as of a few weeks ago," he continued. "Virginia has the pleasure of having 34, and our neighbor North Carolina has another 34; and if we don't pay attention, this is how it all starts."
During his speech, Ipson presented a photo slideshow which detailed a timeline of his personal experience, witnessing atrocious events until his escape into hiding. Maps provided historical data to show where he and his family began their journey, which aside from his mother, father and sister, he never saw again.
His personal testimony told of inhumane events, and his wish to remind people to not forget about the tragedies. He also holes for people to look for the signs of hatred than began long ago to prevent another holocaust from happening in the future.
After a moment of silence to remember all who died and survived, a Soldier reflected on his interpretation of the meaning of the ceremony's title.
"I will always remember their history," said Maj. Troy Johnson, 7 Sustainment Brigade plans officer. "That's how you learn; you never forget."