As the world nears the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, people around the world are preparing for the International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27. 

Established by the United Nations, this day honors the six million Jews and millions of other victims who were murdered during the Holocaust and all those affected. Holocaust remembrance serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting human rights and preventing future tragedies, like the Holocaust, from happing again.  

A ceremony in England was held by King Charles III and Queen Camilla who met with survivor Anita Lasker-Wallfish. Anita is called The Last Musician of Auschwitz, receiving that title for surviving Auschwitz by being a part of the Auschwitz orchestra and was forced to play for SS officers and while prisoners were marched. 

To mark this occasion, the UN will hold a ceremony in New York featuring survivor stories and speeches from global leaders. In the United States, both the U.S Holocaust Memorial Museum and the National WWII Museum in New Orleans will hold commemorative events. Each year, the United Nations selects a theme for Holocaust Remembrance Day, this year’s theme, “Bridging Generations,” focuses on teaching the younger generations and ensuring the stories of concentration camps and victims are not forgotten. 

Words cannot describe the horrors that transpired at the German concentration camps, and although graphic it’s important we are aware as to prevent another genocide, click this link for real photos of German camps.  

Learning about and remembering the Holocaust is vital to turning the promise of “Never Again” into a reality and preventing future atrocities around the world.