Central Louisianans are invited to the Community Holocaust Observance on Monday, April 28, 2014, in downtown Alexandria.
George “Pat” Waters, grandson of Gen. George S. Patton Jr., will be the featured speaker.
The observance, entitled “The Central Louisiana Connection,” will begin at 6 p.m. with an opening service at the Alexandria Holocaust Memorial. The opening service will also include the dedication of the Anne Frank plaque.
At 6:30 p.m., a commemoration service will be held in the sanctuary of Emmanuel Baptist Church, located at 430 Jackson Street.
Pat Waters will be the featured speaker during the service. Waters’ mother, Beatrice Patton Waters, was the firstborn child of Gen. Patton.
Among his experiences was a nine-day visit to Flossenburg Prison where he spent time with Holocaust survivors listening to their stories. It was through this experience that Waters began to comprehend the tragic circumstances of prison life.
Part of his semi-retired life includes speaking out against prejudices. Waters’ visit to Flossenburg kindled a desire in him for people to hear the stories of Holocaust survivors
and understand the importance of learning from history.
In the U.S. Navy Reserve (1965-70), Waters served as the CIC Officer aboard USS Braine, DD 630. His service included one West PAC tour (three years aboard ship). He was also an ASW instructor, Glynco, NAS (two years).
The evening will conclude with a Holocaust exhibit in Weems Hall of Emmanuel Baptist Church. For information about the event, please contact Emmanuel Baptist Church at 318-442-7773.
