Cadets attended the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum for a two-day program on Law, the Holocaust and War Crimes. Welcomed by Amanda Rooney-Stierli, coordinator of educational programs for military and government officials. The cadets explored the Museum's permanent exhibit, which guided them through the rise of the National Socialist German Workers Party (NSDAP).
Cadets participated in several workshops led by distinguished Museum scholars and legal experts that examined the role of law in Nazi Germany. The visit included time in and discussion about the Museum's temporary exhibit on Syria titled "Please do not forget us." This exhibit, featuring names of disappeared Syrians written in blood and smuggled out of Assad's prisons, clarified the immediacy of the lessons the cadets learned.
The visit culminated with a presentation by and discussion with Holocaust survivor Irene Weiss, who shared her gripping stories of persecution, loss, and survival at Auschwitz and in forced marches across Europe. The comprehensive program inspired powerful self-reflection. "Early detection of potential atrocities is crucial," one cadet wrote. "As military officers, we will be among the first responders."