Members of Rota, Spain's Jewish community were invited aboard Naval Station Rota to commemorate the National Holocaust Days of Remembrance hosted by the installation's Diversity Committee April 27.

The day was honored with a series of acts including a brief video on the history of the Holocaust, a guest speaker who read the Mourner's Kaddish (a traditional hymn honoring those who have passed), candle lighting and tree planting.

Sailors and members from Rota's Jewish community lit six candles, which represent the six million Jews killed during the Holocaust, then placed small rocks in front of the candles to embody a Jewish custom of remembering the deceased.

"Placing a rock on a tombstone is an old traditional Jewish custom," said Amanda Gipson, guest speaker and a member of Rota's Jewish Community. "Placing flowers is not. In life, people may enjoy the beauty of the physical surroundings but when they die, all of their material possessions and beauty are meaningless and left behind as the petals of the flower wither and die. It is only their accumulated spiritual wealth that remains immortal just like a rock which stays forever."

The event concluded with members of the Jewish community planting a kumquat tree outside the base chapel. The tree was chosen for its small size and its ability to bear fruit.

"It's a tree that bears fruit and it goes along with the symbolism of man as a tree and the symbol of the fruit which is our good deeds that we do in life and this particular tree gives fruit twice a year so its especially abundant," said Gipson.

Every year, Holocaust, Days of Remembrance events are observed by state and local governments, military bases, workplaces, schools, churches, synagogues and civic centers. The chosen theme for this year is: "The strength of the human spirit."

All commands are encouraged to commemorate through participation in related military and community events, programs and exhibits. By allowing Sailors an opportunity to learn from their diversity, the Navy continues to harvest and represent the strength of our Nation's diversity, provide a culture which promotes the treatment of people with dignity and respect and allows its people to lead and feel empowered to reach their full potential.

Naval Station Rota enables and supports operations of U.S. and allied forces and provides quality services in support of the fleet, fighter and family for CNIC in Navy Region EURAFSWA.

Just as a ship performs lines of operation, which provide a capability, Navy Region EURAFSWA bases perform the same eight lines of operation to provide capability to the fleet and joint and allied forces. These eight lines of operation are air operations, port operations, safety, security, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), Fleet and Family Services and what is called the core -- the fuels, water and power which keep the bases running. Through the lines of operation, installations are force multipliers, which maximize the combat capability of operational units.

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