USS George Washington Remembers Holocaust

The U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) held a holocaust remembrance ceremony in the ship’s forecastle April 23.

Airman Zachary Rosen, the Jewish services leader for the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, reflected upon the importance of remembering the events that occurred during World War II.

“We must never forget,” said Rosen. “Those who forget the errors of the past are doomed to repeat them. We must remember that it is our responsibility to tell these stories to our children and grandchildren. It is everyone’s responsibility to fight against tyranny and oppression.”

A video titled, “Why we remember the Holocaust”, was also presented at the ceremony. It focused not only on the genocide of more than six million Jews, but also on the millions of other people who were killed and oppressed.”

“Sailors should learn from these events,” said Capt. Carlos Sardiello, George Washington’s executive officer. “For Sailors who were never exposed, this should plant seeds in their mind to get them to think deeper and move forward with honor, courage and commitment.”

“We are the last generation who are able to talk to survivors of the Holocaust face-to-face,” said Fireman Kurt D. Burnett, an interior communications technician aboard George Washington. “It’s moving to hear someone’s prayer in Hebrew. It made this ceremony personal.”

“I hope our generation keeps on passing down the knowledge,” said Burnett, “So that these events are never forgotten.”

This ceremony was held in conjunction with the History of Heritage Committee and represents the National Day of Remembrance through the ship’s Command Religious Ministries Department. “Never Again: Heeding the Warning Signs,” is the theme of this year’s remembrance of the Holocaust.

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Naval Today Staff, April 29, 2013; Image: US Navy