I have horrible short-term memory lately. This is why I can’t live without my lists and my reminders on my cell phone. There are so many things we want to remember every day. Remembering special dates helps us relive those wonderful moments. However there are other days where we should remember those horrible moments in history. We don’t have to be consumed with them every day but we cannot forget.

Yesterday, April 19th was Holocaust Remembrance Day. The Holocaust was a horrible blight on humanity. Being of Jewish decent it is hard to think of all those who lost their lives for nothing other than being born a Jew. I went to the Holocaust exhibit at the Imperial War Museum when I was in London last year. I know we have a whole museum here in Florida but I could never bring myself to go to it. I am glad that I went by myself because it was a lot to take in and I don’t think I could have talked to someone during or after seeing that exhibit. Just to see the big display of the shoes of those who senselessly died there made it so real to me. I have read books about the holocaust but nothing made it more real for me than seeing those shoes. Just piled there. They had another exhibit where you were actually in a  reconstructed train car that had transported people to concentration camps. It was mind-blowing to think of people being treated that way.

Remembering the Holocaust is important. First, because no matter what anyone says, it did happen. Six million Jews lost their lives. One million were children, two million were women and three million were men. In addition they estimate that more than five million people of other races, beliefs and disabilities were also killed. The people who carried these horrible acts out were led by something that seemed like a political belief in the beginning and grew to something much worse. So remembering the Holocaust is to help us keep from letting something like this happen ever again. Don’t forget those who died but also don’t forget those who goose stepped in obedience and those who stood idly by as it happened. Seek the truth in all things and stand up for what is right.

Racism is still alive in our culture today. I know some people can be “super sensitive” but you don’t know what those people have experienced in their lives. I have only had one such personal experience with racism and just thinking about it now it still hurts. So don’t brush it off as if it isn’t that big of a deal, especially if you have never experienced it.  Stick with the golden rule and treat others as you would like to be treated. One of my favorite Bible verses is Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

Take time to learn about and remember the Holocaust. Never forget.