Every year around January 27, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) pays tribute to the memory of the victims of the Holocaust and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to counter antisemitism, racism, and other forms of intolerance that may lead to group-targeted violence. The date marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau by Soviet troops on Jan. 27, 1945. It was officially proclaimed, in November of 2005, International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust by the United Nations General Assembly.
We are proud to bring you the below information highlighting Honor Flight Chicago alumni who had varying experiences directly connected to the Holocaust.
Teaching the history and lessons of the Holocaust has increasing relevance as we deepen reflection and critical thinking about contemporary issues that affect societies around the world. Introducing the topic into your classroom helps students gain empathy and tools that highlight the value of promoting human rights, ethics, and civic engagement that bolsters human solidarity.
Click on the image of each PDF to download the document and access embedded links to content, then keep scrolling for more from the Illinois Holocaust Museum!
FEATURED VETERANS:
WALT BERGONTHAL: Worked at Nuremberg
US Army Air Corps Sergeant Walt Bergonthal served with the 133rd AACS (Army Airwaves Communications System) in Europe during World War II. He worked communications for and attended the Nuremberg Trials. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources
PETER BROUSTIS: Helped Liberate Dachau
US Army Staff Sergeant Peter Broustis served as an army field medic during World War II. He helped liberate Dachau and received a Bronze Star for his courage under fire at the Battle of the Bulge. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!
EDDIE KRUPICZOWICZ: Vietnam Vet Born In A Concentration Camp
US Army Sergeant Eddie Krupiczowicz served during the Vietnam War. He was born in a concentration camp two weeks after his father was killed for attempting to escape. He recalls his time as a refugee and his time serving for the US Army in Vietnam. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!
JAY VANDIVER: Helped Liberate Dachau
US Army Staff Sergeant Jay Vandiver served in Europe during World War II. He was part of the second-wave of D-Day and participated in the liberation of Dachau concentration camp. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!
RAY WAGNER: Helped Liberate Dachau
US Army Private First Class Ray Wagner served in Europe during World War II. After being injured at Omaha Beach he received a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. He was later one of the soldiers that helped liberate Dachau. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!
EMERY WOLF : Present at Nuremberg
US Army Private First Class Emery Wolf served during World War II. He finished high school early because he knew he would be drafted and ended up in Germany and France after the surrender. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
The mission of Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is expressed in our founding principle: Remember the Past, Transform the Future. The Museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Holocaust by honoring the memories of those who were lost and by teaching universal lessons that combat hatred, prejudice, and indifference.
The Museum fulfills its mission through the exhibition, preservation, and interpretation of its collections; and through education programs and initiatives that foster the promotion of human rights and the elimination of genocide.
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