Holocaust Remembrance Day

HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 10, 2005)

SPEECH OF
HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD
OF MAINE
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2005

* Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to add my voice to those marking this most solemn of days--Yom Hashoah. Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorates one of the darkest periods in our shared human history. We remember the victims of this unspeakable tragedy. At the same time, this day marks the beginning of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, and we celebrate the indomitable spirit of freedom and hope that resides in all of us.

* This day does not belong to one people or commemorate just one moment in time. Yom Hashoah reminds us of the darkness and evil that still exists in this world and charges each of us to stand against the atrocities that men can bring about.

* We remember only too well the horrors of ``ethnic cleansing'' in the Balkans and the genocide in Rwanda just a few years ago. Not only do we remind ourselves of the evils of our recent past, but also we take this time to look at the world we live in today as well. Religious, ethnic, racial and cultural strife continue to divide people around the world. Despite the lessons of our past, we are shamed by the knowledge that the world community was once again too slow to respond to the tragedy that is taking place in the Darfur region of Sudan. We Are shamed by the knowledge that we have the ability to prevent genocide and suffering, but we do not act.

* That is why it is so important that we speak out today to remember the victims of the Holocaust and of all genocides throughout the world. This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the end of World War II. Our greatest generation did not stand still against this evil. We must be ready and willing to follow in their footsteps.

* Merely saying ``never again'' is not enough. Only by raising awareness of these atrocities can we begin to stop them from happening to any group or people again. While this day is somber and full of self-reflection, it is important to also recall the kindness of so many who risked everything to save and hide their neighbors, friends, or even complete strangers.

* For many people, the bravery of Anne Frank sums up the best hopes for the future of humanity. Though she and her family fell victim to the horror, and ultimate fate of millions, she still wrote in her diary:

* ``I don't think of all the misery, but of all the beauty that still remains. ..... In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.''

* Through understanding our past and each other, we can create the beautiful, peaceful, and hopeful world Anne Frank once envisioned.

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