Museum Holds Virtual 2021 Annual Days of Remembrance Ceremony

April 06, 2021

Event to feature remarks from Secretary of State Antony Blinken; 

public encouraged to read names of Holocaust victims 

WASHINGTON — The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum will lead the nation in observing Days of Remembrance with a Virtual National Commemoration on Thursday, April 8, at 11 a.m. E.T., to honor survivors of the Holocaust, remember the six million Jews murdered and pay tribute to American soldiers who sacrificed so much to defeat Nazism. The program will feature powerful reflections from Holocaust survivors, names readings and remarks by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. 

“The Holocaust teaches us the unthinkable is possible,” says Museum Director Sara J. Bloomfield. “Yet, even in that darkest of worlds, the survivors remind us that some people cared and that resistance, resilience and rescue were also possible. Their caring and their struggles to maintain their humanity will remain an inspiration for the ages.”

The week-long Days of Remembrance was established by Congress as the nation’s commemoration of the Holocaust. This year’s Days of Remembrance is being observed nationwide with remembrance activities between Sunday, April 4, and Sunday, April 11.

During this time, the global community is also encouraged to join in the sacred tradition of memorializing individuals murdered during the Holocaust by going to ushmm.org/DOR-2021 to receive and read the names of a tiny fraction of the millions killed. 

“When the Museum is open, visitors read names during this meaningful week in the Hall of Remembrance,” says Diane Saltzman, the Museum’s director of survivor affairs. “Because that cannot happen this year, please take a few moments, wherever you are, to help us observe this enduring element of Days of Remembrance. Reading the names aloud is a powerful way to recognize the individuality of each life lost and reaffirm the victims’ humanity.” 

After the live broadcast of the national virtual ceremony, the recording will be available to watch on demand on the Museum's YouTube page. 

Viewers can share their remembrances and reflection online with the hashtag #WeRemember and #USHMM.

A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires leaders and citizens to confront hate, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity. Its far-reaching educational programs and global impact are made possible by generous donors.

###