Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

karynnj

(59,942 posts)
Thu Apr 16, 2015, 02:10 PM Apr 2015

Poignant comment from Kerry on Holocaust Remembrance day

From State.gov, so quoting the entire thing:


Teresa and I join all Americans today in observing Yom HaShoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day. We bow our heads as we both mourn and honor the six million Jews and millions of others who perished in the most painful and horrific chapter in human history.

We lack the power to rewind the clock or to bring back those who were murdered. But we do have the power of remembrance, and we will never cease to honor the memory of those who were killed, to grieve their loss, and to cherish their names.

We remain indebted, as well, to the Holocaust survivors who, despite unspeakable trauma, continue to recount their painful experiences so that the passage of time does not lead to the forgetting of what must never be forgotten. We also draw inspiration from the reality that every child of every survivor is added testimony to the utter failure of Hitler’s evil plan.

I was profoundly moved in 2013 when I visited Yad Vashem with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then-President Shimon Peres. A siren wailing through Jerusalem and then a nation standing together in silent reflection signify a profound tribute to the fallen, and a call to consciousness for us all, now and in perpetuity.

For us, then, remembrance is the beginning, not the end of our responsibility. The duty we have is an active one: to work with countries and partners around the globe to fight bigotry wherever it arises, to confront aggression, insist on truth, uphold the rule of law, and promote respect for the rights and dignity of every human being.

http://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2015/04/240741.htm
2 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Poignant comment from Kerry on Holocaust Remembrance day (Original Post) karynnj Apr 2015 OP
Thanks for sharing. mylye2222 Apr 2015 #1
Yup, that's the lesson and that's the duty MBS Apr 2015 #2

MBS

(9,688 posts)
2. Yup, that's the lesson and that's the duty
Thu Apr 16, 2015, 08:07 PM
Apr 2015

Absolutely right on
That statement sounds just like him -- get to the core of the matter, learn the lesson and do something positive about it.

Thanks for sharing this.

Latest Discussions»Retired Forums»John Kerry»Poignant comment from Ker...