Holocaust remembrance at Warren Published May 9, 2011 By 2nd. Lt. Stacey Fenton 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- The annual Holocaust Remembrance observance and candle lighting ceremony was held in the Fall Hall Community Center here Wednesday. The theme for this year's event was "Justice and Accountability in the Face of Genocide: What Have We Learned?" The Days of Remembrance theme each year is chosen by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, which is mandated by Congress to lead the commemoration of the tragedy and encourage observances throughout the nation, according to ushmm.org. The observance at Air Force Global Strike Command's F. E. Warren Air Force Base highlighted this theme with clips from the Nuremburg and Eichmann trials. "It is important that we hold a remembrance event because it commemorates the only handful of survivors still alive today, and all those who lost their lives without a choice more than 60 years ago," said Jim Hunt, 90th Missile Wing Equal Opportunity director. The guest speaker for the event was Rabbi Harley Karz-Wagman, spiritual leader at Mount Sinai Synagogue in Cheyenne. He spoke about the victims but also honored those who survived and fought against these crimes against humanity. "I pray that you, today's soldiers, receive the appreciation you deserve for your service to our country," said Rabbi Karz-Wagman. "Your presence here today honors the Allied soldiers who served in World War II - the forces who ultimately defeated the Nazis." The seven-candle ceremony honored the 6 million Jews and the millions of others who were victims of the Nazis and their collaborators. Helen Zigmond and Zollie Gancz, both Cheyenne residents and Holocaust survivors, lit the first candle. The rest of the candles were lit by Lt. Col. Kathy Pflanz, 90th Medical Support Squadron; 1st Lt. Matthew Simonds, 90th MW Judge Advocate; Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Arvin, 90th Security Forces Group; Tony Janssen, 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron; Tech. Sgt. Marissa Morrison, 90th Security Support Squadron; and Senior Airman Ashley Whitehead, 90th Missile Maintenance Squadron. Col. Greg Tims, 90th MW commander, spoke about his experience studying past dictators and the importance of knowing the enemy. "Evil must be confronted when we first see it, so we do not allow it to grow as it did in the past," Colonel Tims said. "It is important to be reminded of the past, but the toughness and character we possess at the Mighty Ninety ensures we will do everything within our ability to resolve current and future conflicts." After the seven candles were lit, the guests participated in a prayer with Rabbi Karz-Wagman. "We, and all Americans, can remain the allies of justice, of freedom and of love," said Rabbi Karz-Wagman. "All we need to do is keep learning."