D-M Airmen and Families Encouraged to Observe Holocaust Remembrance Day

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Sarah Godfrey
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Davis-Monthan community members are invited to observe Holocaust Remembrance Day with World War II Holocaust survivors May 3 at the Professional Development Center.

Survivors will speak about their experiences at such places as the Auschwitz Concentration Camp and Warsaw Ghetto.

"The warmth and kindness that I see coming from these survivors to tell their stories and to give their time for us is a very empowering thing," said Capt. Graham Williford, 354th Fighter Squadron chief of scheduling and the Holocaust Remembrance Day project officer. "It is something that I hope that the D-M community appreciates and I hope they have an opportunity to see."

On April 11, President Barack Obama proclaimed, "This year, on the 65th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps, we must recommit ourselves to honoring the memories of all the victims and ensuring that they remain a part of our collective memory."

Pre-registration is not required but arrival by 9:30 a.m. is requested. Children under 16 are not permitted due to the nature of the information that will be discussed.

One of the presenters, Severin Spzerling, will also have coins displayed from the time period.

There will be time available after the presentations to ask questions and take photos with the survivors.

Any questions may be directed to Capt. Williford at 228-0302.