Governor Perdue Observes Days of Remembrance

Holocaust Survivors and Liberators Participate in Days of Remembrance Ceremony

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue joined Holocaust survivors, members of the liberation forces and the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust at the State Capitol today in observance of Georgia's Days of Remembrance. Governor Perdue proclaimed May 1-8, 2005 as Days of Remembrance in memory of the Holocaust victims and in honor of the survivors, rescuers, and liberators.

The Days of Remembrance have been set aside to remember the inhumanity of those who perpetrated the Holocaust, as well as to reflect upon our own humanity and the need for respect toward all people. Today's ceremony marked the 60th Anniversary of the liberation of the concentration camps and the end of World War II.

“By remembering, we perpetuate the victory of the oppressed over their oppressors,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “The triumph of the human spirit, sustained and uplifted by God's mercy, is a truth that can never be denied.”

The Georgia Commission on the Holocaust is charged with annually holding a memorial and remembrance observance and encouraging communities throughout the state to hold remembrance observances. One of the highest goals of The Georgia Commission on the Holocaust is to advance the education about the Holocaust in Georgia's schools and through other means.

As part of this year's ceremony, recipients of the statewide art and writing contest, and their teachers, were presented with their awards. Dr. Robert R. Friedmann, a Professor of Criminal Justice at Georgia State University, was also presented the 2005 Humanitarian Award.

For more information on the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust, please call (678) 797-2084 or visit the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust website at www.holocaust.georgia.gov .