Thought For The Day – Tuesday 28th January 2025
The Responsibility of Remembrance
Yesterday was such a deeply moving day, beyond words, as the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, pictured above, was remembered.
The Holocaust, which took place at concentration, death, extermination and work camps, and all the hate and negative prejudice and negative discrimination, at every level, which led to them, and The Holocaust, was remembered.
Very poignantly, the remaining Holocaust Survivors, who are less in number each year as they pass on from this life, gathered.
All genocides, and crimes against humanity, around the world, were remembered.
Genocides before The Holocaust and since The Holocaust.
Candles were lit for those who have suffered and still suffer.
Candles were lit to provide hope “for a better future”, the theme of Holocaust Memorial Day 2025.
We must never, ever forget.
We must say, and do, never, ever again.
In all our dealings, in person, on-line, public and private, and in every context, we must be compassionate, empathetic, fair, honest, just, kind, respectful, thoughtful, understanding and uplifting.
We stand against all abuse, bullying, evil, hate and negative prejudice and discrimination.
We treat others as we wish to be treated.
We treasure citizens, especially the young and old, and all citizens in between, very much including, and valuing, the vulnerable.
We listen to the stories of those who suffer and those who have suffered.
For people, and our environment, are so very precious, sacred, special and unique.
Before visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau yesterday, King Charles III, pictured below paying his respects at Auschwitz-Birkenau, said:
“As the number of Holocaust Survivors regrettably diminishes with the passage of time, the responsibility of remembrance rests far heavier on our shoulders, and on those of generations yet unborn. The act of remembering the evils of the past remains a vital task and in so doing, we inform our present and shape our future.”
Hopefully, we will host the wonderful Hannah Lewis M.B.E. once again in the next few weeks.
Two very thoughtful news reports from yesterday:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yly5kHM_cXM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQ4tsNQso24
An important new documentary: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m00276pg/what-happened-at-auschwitz