Holocaust Memorial Day

Started four years ago, the Holocaust Memorial Day commemorates communities which have suffered as a result of the Holocaust and Nazi persecution. This year's 27th January marks the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the WWII Nazi concentration and extermination camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau. "The day also provides an opportunity for reflection on more recent atrocities that raise similar issues..." (BBC)

This year will see London being hosting holocaust memorial services and events, building on the theme of 'Survivors, Liberation and Rebuilding Lives'.

Its Statement of Purpose -

The creation of a National Holocaust Memorial Day aims to:

1. Recognise that the Holocaust was a tragically defining episode of the 20th century, a crisis for European civilisation and a universal catastrophe for humanity.

2. Provide a national mark of respect for all victims of Nazi persecution and demonstrate understanding with all those who still suffer its consequences.

3. Raise awareness and understanding of the events of the Holocaust as a continuing issue of fundamental importance for all humanity.

4. Ensure that the horrendous crimes, racism and victimisation committed during the Holocaust are neither forgotten nor repeated, whether in Europe or elsewhere in the world.

5. Restate the continuing need for vigilance in light of the troubling repetition of human tragedies in the world today.

6. Reflect on recent atrocities that raise similar issues.

7. Provide a national focus for educating subsequent generations about the Holocaust and the continued relevance of the lessons that are learnt from it.

8. Provide an opportunity to examine our nation's past and learn for the future.

9. Promote a democratic and tolerant society, free of the evils of prejudice, racism and other forms of bigotry.

10. Support the view that all citizens - without distinction - should participate freely and fully in the economic, social and public life of the nation.

11. Highlight the values of a tolerant and diverse society based upon the notions of universal dignity and equal rights and responsibilities for all its citizens.

12. Assert a continuing commitment to oppose racism, antisemitism, victimisation and genocide.

13. Support our shared aspirations with both our European partners and the wider international community centred on the ideals of peace, justice and community for all.

... just reading those makes you a more grateful person already, ya?

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Some pages to explore:

UK Holocaust Memorial Day
BBC TWO unravels the secrets of Auschwitz
Memorial and Museum: Auschwitz-Birkenau (with a detailed history)
Video clip: Auschwitz - A story of survival (Sydney Morning Herald

posted by Husky @ 1/27/2005 12:07:34 AM  |