2013 Days of Remembrance

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum leads the Days of Remembrance, the annual U.S. national commemoration of the Holocaust.  The theme for this year's week of observance, which will be April 7-14, is "Never Again:  Heeding the Warning Signs."  This theme focuses on the events of 1938 and the response, or lack of response, to them.  Many countries and individuals did not react to the warning signs of what became the Holocaust, yet a few chose to act.

In 2013 the museum is also celebrating the 20th anniversary of its opening.  In honor of the anniversary, the museum invites everyone to join in remembering Holocaust victims by organizing or participating in a Days of Remembrance event.  The museum has a national map on its Web site showing events that are planned.  You can search for an event or add one to the map.

If you want to organize a remembrance event, you can request a free CD/DVD Planning Guide and Resources for Annual Holocaust Commemorations from the museum.   Fill out the request form as soon as possible, because the museum has a limited number of the guides.

While Jews were the primary focus of the Nazis, other groups, including homosexuals, Gypsies, Catholics, and political dissidents, were also targeted.  It is important to remember the events of the Holocaust so that they will never happen to any group again.

National Days of Remembrance

From May 1 through 8, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum will lead the country in observing the national Days of Remembrance.  The Days of Remembrance offer the opportunity to come together as a nation to honor the victims of the Holocaust and keep their memories alive.

The Museum will host memorial programs in Washington, D.C., and many communities across the country will also hold ceremonies.  The Museum has posted an online map displaying events throughout the United States.  You may use the map to find an event near you.

The national Days of Remembrance ceremony will be Webcast live from the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.  Check the Days of Remembrance Web page for more information.

You can also create your own event and add it to the map. To help you plan, the Museum can send you a CD/DVD package of resources related to this year's Days of Remembrance theme, Justice and Accountability in the Face of Genocide: What Have We Learned?  The hope is to encourage reflection on the role of justice in the wake of genocide and what we can do to prevent atrocities now and in the future.  You can request your free Days of Remembrance resource pack here.  There is still time to order your package and receive it before May 1.