Today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day, as designated by the UN General Assembly to commemorate the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
“The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.”
Elie Wiesel
Did the moon still hum
behind the clouds in leaden skies
where ashy tears fell amid the cries,
a nightmare world, devised
to centralize
the horrors
we now criticize–
(though some continue to idolize)
but then—
did we fully work to neutralize–
were we energized,
or did we fail to empathize,
because they were not us–
we were not the demonized—
and so, we did not see what would await,
did not mobilize against the hate,
for six million dead, it was too late
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
beautiful tribute for this sorrowful an shameful act on humanity.
Thanks so much, Holly.
A lovely poem of sad remembrance! Love the quote!
Dwight
Thank you very much, Dwight.
Beautifully done, Merril.
Thank you, Dale.
Many of my forefathers and mothers, Mennonites, were slaughtered in Europe for their faith. Because their numbers were hundreds, not millions, they are barely recognized. I remember though – and also appreciate your tribute here to the hideous Holocaust.
Thank you, Marian. Yes, you are right, of course that many throughout time have been persecuted and slaughtered for their beliefs, identity, and/or appearance. And still it continues.
The Holocaust stands alone because there is absolutely nothing that can be dreamed up to excuse or to justify it. These were modern people in a modern state with all the benefits of democratic freedoms of belief and expression. Nothing justifies what they did.
Exactly my point. And too many stood by and did nothing, or even cheered on the murdering machine.
And they just voted in the descendants of that bunch in Austria. We never learn from history. There was something broken in their psyche and it has never been properly mended.
Well said, Merril. Ashy tears, indeed. Words to consider for all generations.
It’s interesting that some who recognize the horror of that time fail to acknowledge the incidence, even the potential of scale, of atrocities in today’s global climate.
Thank you, Ken.
Yes, you are right–unfortunately.
Six million dead and we should feel ashamed how long it took to take action. What a horrible time, a serious need to have Peace, to remember and never allow this kind of maniac to come into power again. We must watch, be careful and try to repair our world. ✡ 🕊 💞
p.s. Just curious, Merril. . . what does this symbol depict? 🔯 It has a dot inside the symbol. Thank you for answering if you don’t mind.
Thank you, Robin. Yes, I agree that we must never forget and that we must be vigilant.
I had no idea about the symbol. I looked it up, and it seems to simply be an emoji for the Star of David. I don’t know why the dot is there–perhaps it’s just a style issue.
I didn’t want to use it, but am glad you looked it up. I try not to offend anyone.
I think the Confederate flag should be banned on clothing! My coworker bought her grandson a t-shirt with a Confederate flag on it. I wanted to scream at her, “That is like putting a svastika on your grandson!” My grandmother came to America from Germany and worked immediately to remove her German accent while waiting tables at the Waldorf Astoria in NYC. She was ashamed of her coming from there and didn’t like how some of the New York neighbors were unkind to anyone outside of their little pocket of tenements. She and my Swedish grandpa just eliminated (other than delicious kuchen, strudel and spaetzle) their roots out of their lives.
For this, I do regret they didn’t try to hold on to their heritage to pass on any kind of tales. . . I do have my great grandparents love story in Sweden kept on my blog’s early pages. 😊
I agree about hate symbols, but it is a shame that your grandparents felt compelled to eliminate their roots, though it’s certainly understandable.
I think once my grandmother arrived, she was very proud to be an American! My grandfather was always an agnostic, a socialist and one who taught my Mom and Aunt Amy to question, investigate and stand up for their beliefs and values. It had great impact upon my life, since he always spoke for the common man and respected my own Dad’s story, his journey out of poverty. I have some letters he wrote me, as well as dozens of postcards he sent to me, the eldest grandchild.
I have told many people the combination of my father and grandfather set the “high standard” I had hoped men who I loved would strive to meet. Ha! They are out there, but rather scarce to find. . .
No-one of my generation has not been touched in one way or another by this horror. We have a duty to keep the memory alive.
I agree. Thank you, Derrick.