Yom Hashoah Remembrance

Today is Yom Hashoah, a day of remembrance for the Holocaust. The Seabee Base hosted a remembrance ceremony in honor of this day.

A group of people came together for the Holocaust Memorial Day at the Seabee Base in Gulfport. They shared stories and said prayers for the tragedy that unfolded during World War II. Rabbi Aaron Rozovsky said, “We are remembering all of those who perished. We are also giving a lot of honor and respect to those who risked their lives to save Jews at the hands of Nazis.”

It’s not by chance that this event was held on the Seabee Base, a place where good things are built. Lt. Sarah Powell said, “We are here to build and just the idea of everyone’s words today and the reminder of why we are here in the military to support freedom and democracy, to protect the vulnerable, to stand up for what is right, to fight against evil. That is why we put that uniform on every single day.”

During the ceremony, six candles were lit in honor of the six million people who were killed during the Holocaust. Candle lighter Pat Oaks said, “That was very special to remember. Each candle stood for one million Jewish people who were killed during World War II.”

Rabbi Rozovsky says it is important to remember the Holocaust and always educate the next generation. “If you don’t heed the lessons of the past, you are bound to repeat them. The scary thing about the Holocaust is that it was not an overnight event, it was 12 years. It was gradual.”

Yom Hashoah is observed by Jewish communities worldwide.