Base Chapel hosts Holocaust remembrance ceremony Published May 1, 2014 By Kendahl Johnson 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Approximately 100 Team Kirtland members congregated April 30 at the Base Chapel for the Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony. Following a presentation of the colors by the Kirtland Honor Guard, singing of the National Anthem, and an invocation by Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Thomas Elbert, three members of the Jewish community spoke to the assembled audience. Madeline Cunnings, a senior at Bosque School, spoke about her recent trip to Poland for participation in the Model International Criminal Court mock trials, a simulation of the International Criminal Court in The Hague. She talked about how taking part in the event added to her understanding of the Holocaust and its lasting effects. Raya Kovensky, a Holocaust survivor, spoke about the persecutions she experienced as a child in Germany. When she was nine years old, her family fled to the United States, escaping just weeks before World War II began. "All of you should cherish the opportunity to live in such a great country that affords so many freedoms," she said. "There is truly no better place to live on earth than America, and I thank the military for keeping this country safe," she said. University of New Mexico professor emeritus Noel Pugach, who specialized in the history of U.S. foreign relations, spoke about some of the events of the Holocaust era, and what could have been done differently by the international community to save lives Col. Heather Pringle, 377th Air Base Wing vice commander, gave closing remarks. "Even on a day of solemn remembrance, there is room for hope," she said. "The lessons of the Holocaust continue to shape how humanity acts and behaves in the global community. We must remember the Holocaust so we may call forth our human capacity for great acts of heroism, courage, and self-sacrifice."