June 1,2003 Southeastern Virginia Jewish News 9
Holocaust survivor David Katz addresses crew of USS Ronald Reagan
By MickeyHeld They are moving to Italy in
Holocaust survivor, David
Katz, addressed the crew of the
Ronald Reagan, an aircraft carrier
nearing completion at the Newport
News Shipbuilding Yards and
awaiting commissioning in July.
On Tuesday, May 20, without
notes, as usual, David related to the
crew a moving, heartfelt story of
his experiences during the Nazi
OCcupation of Europe. As with all
of our treasured survivors' stories,
those present were emotionally
affected by a tale of unthinkable
evil. David answered probing
questions with dignity and honor.
Captain Herman Shelanski,
Executive Officer of the Ronald
Reagan, planned and implemented
a truly memorable day. Captain
Shelanski, his wife, and two chil-
dren reside in Norfolk and are
members of Congregation Beth El.
December, where Herman will be
the Commanding Officer of his
own ship. They are planning on
returning here in a few years.
David and Maryanne Katz,
Christina Bublick, Chair of the
Holocaust Commission, and
myself, Mickey Held, Speakers'
Bureau Chair, had the pleasure and
excitement of experiencing a full
tour of the new aircraft carrier,
guided by the Conmaanding Offi-
cer, Captain Bill Goodwin (newly
promoted Admiral), Captain She-
lanski, and Lt. Cdr. Dave Zilber.
From the Commanding Officers
private quarters closely replicating
the Red Room in the Reagan White
House, to the flight deck which
extends the size of three football
fields, we were greeted and treated
as celebrities by all aboard.
We had the opportunity to ride
the "electric deck," view the digni-
taxies greeting area that was
adorned with a bronze bust of Pres-
ident Reagan and original brass
Letter of Appreciation
! (Editor's Note: The following
etter was written by Holocaust sur-
Vivor David Katz, following his visit
to the USS Ronald Reagan. It is
being shared with the readers of the
Southeastern Virginia Jewish News.)
David R.Katz
828 Fallcreek Run
Chesapeake VA 23322
Captain J. W. Goodwin
Commanding Officer
I2U Ronald Reagan (CVN 76)
FPOAE 09542-2876
Wednesday 21 May 2003
bear Captain Goodwin..
On behalf of my wife
Maryanne and myself, I want to
thank you wholeheartedly for the
Warm reception accorded us dur-
ing our visit to the Ronald Rea-
gan yesterday. We were truly in
awe at the size of the ship, and
we appreciated the guided tour
during which you pointed out so
many of the details of that mag-
rfificent aircraft carrier. It is
regrettable that President Reagan
is no longer in a condition to be
able to see this great Lady of the
Seas beating his name. He would
rightfully be proud.
To say that I was honored to
address your crewmembers dur-
ing your Days of Remembrance
Celebration would be an under-
statement. As difficult as it is for
me to relive the horrors of the
Holocaust, the respect that I get
from my audiences makes that
task very pleasant indeed. Also, I
get the greatest satisfaction of all
when I have the opportunity to
speak to members of the Mili-
tary. You cannot imagine the
great pride and respect that I
have for our armed forces, and
when you are exposed to some-
thing as magnificent as we were
yesterday, simple words cannot
express how proud we really
were.
I have made arrangements to
have three copies of our book
"TO LIFE" autographed by the
survivors at our next Holocaust
Commission meeting, and will
send them to you, Captain She-
lanski, and Lt. Cdr Zilber.
Again, my sincere thanks for
giving my wife and I a day we
will never forget, and for rein-
forcing our pride in our great
Navy and this great country, the
United States of America.
Sincerely yours,
David R.Katz
Executive Officer Capt. Herm Shelanski, Maryanne and David Karz, Mickey Held,
Christina Bublick and Capt. Bill Goodwin aboard the USS Ronald Reagan.
fixtures from older carriers, and
were treated to a formal lunch in
the officers' dining room. In addi-
tion, each of us was presented with
a Ronald Reagan'hat embroidered
with our names.
On that beautiful day in May,
Christina and I had the privilege of
escorting David and Maryanne on
a speaking engagement. We were
rewarded with a remarkable expe-
rience and a phenomenal view of
the power and grandeur of our
United States Navy and this great
country. With pride, we can say the
Ronaid Reagan's motto, "Peace
Through Strength," is embodied in
its structure and crew.
Marvanne and David Katz by bronze
bust of President Reagmi.
Please join e Vaad for brunch
On
Father's Day
June 15, 2003
9:.00 AM until 1:00 PM
B'nai Israel Synagogue
Enjoy brunch in a caf6 setting
With an ala Carte menu that includes
Your favorite brunch items from
Blintzes to quiche
Children's selection, too
by con
at 626.3435 or
