There are several important commemorative days for honoring the victims of the World War II holocaust. However, there are two most notable ones.
Holocaust Remembrance in America
In 1979 the United States Congress adopted an eight-day period designated explicitly for the honoring of the victims of the Holocaust. The commemoration is known as the “Days of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust,” also DRVH.
The commemoration period is designated so federal, state, and local governments and communities can have a particular focus on civic commemorations and educational programs about the Holocaust. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington DC plays the leading role in encouraging observances throughout the United States. The Days of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust usually occur sometime in early April or May. Congress chose this time because American troops liberated the Dachau Concentration Camp and their satellite camps on April 28 and 29 of 1945.
International Holocaust Remembrance
The United Nations adopted international Holocaust Remembrance Day in 2005. Each year on January 27th, the victims of the Holocaust and the tragic events during the Holocaust are recognized by the international community. January 27th was chosen as a commemoration since this is the date when Auschwitz, the most notorious concentration camp, was liberated by the Soviet Red Army in 1945.
You can learn more about Holocaust Remembrance Day or the “Days of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust,” also known as DRVH, at Zachor Foundation. You can access their holocaust educational resources at the Zachor Foundation at www.zachorfoundation.org.
