Remember the Holocaust

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Andrew Haynes
  • 90th Missile Maintenance Squadron
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Many people in today's world may go about their day with only the thought of what they have accomplished in their minds. Their days are absorbed in things such as what to eat for lunch or what to wear, all without fear of never seeing the next day.

Today, someone saying they are "starved" is common, even if they have only missed a meal. It's also common for someone to claim they are "dying" even if they are only sick and will more than likely be fine. Most do not have to worry about someone showing up at their doors and rushing them and their families to board trains, not knowing where they will be taken. But, in the 1930s through the 1940s, this happened to more than six million Jewish people.

Today's generation may remember being taught about the Holocaust from history classes, older family members' stories or even reading stories about it; however, chances are not all of the details of this morbid and influential event in history can be remembered. The number of Holocaust survivors is decreasing as the years pass, and soon there will not be any left to help educate against those atrocities.

Although one cannot go back in time and change this occurrence, it is critical to learn the true history; by understanding the horrific events from the victims themselves while they are still here. Some may think this travesty does not affect them because they are either not Jewish, or they believe it would never happen again in the future; however, since history tends to repeat itself, it is crucial for these events to be taught to future generations, which will help avoid future cultural genocides such as this.

Throughout the month, there have been several articles written detailing the atrocities of the Holocaust. As the month starts to come to a close, think about the true meaning of these types of events; think about the many Jewish people who lost their lives; think about those who have to live with the memories of the terrors they endured.