Reps. Kesto, Brinks, Calley, Camilleri, Canfield, Chang, Clemente, Cochran, Crawford, Elder, Ellison, Faris, Farrington, Geiss, Greig, Griffin, Guerra, Hammoud, Hoadley, Howrylak, Hughes, Jones, Kelly, Lasinski, Lauwers, Leutheuser, Liberati, Marino, Maturen, Moss, Noble, Pagan, Phelps, Rabhi, Rendon, Sabo, Schor, Singh, Sneller, Sowerby, Tedder, Theis, Webber, Wittenberg, Yanez, Zemke, Cox and Greimel offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 69.

            A resolution to declare April 25, 2017, as Holocaust Commemoration Day in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, The horrors of the Holocaust should never be forgotten; and

            Whereas, The Holocaust was the systematic state-sponsored persecution and annihilation of European Jews by Nazi Germany during the years 1933 through 1945, in which six million Jews were murdered; and

Whereas, Millions more, including Gypsies, the handicapped, Poles, Jehovah’s witnesses, Soviet prisoners of war, and political dissidents, endured grievous oppression and death on the basis of religion, political affiliation, or national origin; and

            Whereas, It has been many years since the horrors of the Holocaust have transpired, yet the effects of this horrible event are still experienced by survivors every day. Remembrance and recognition are of the utmost importance to ensure that the mistakes that led to this terrible tragedy are never repeated; and

            Whereas, The history of the Holocaust allows us to reflect on the moral and ethical responsibilities of individuals, societies, and governments and serves as an important reminder of what can happen when we allow bigotry, hatred, and indifference to enter and conquer our societies; and

            Whereas, It is crucial to educate all citizens about the horrors of genocide, especially the genocide that took place during the Holocaust, and to instill values of tolerance and acceptance in our state’s ever-changing and diverse population; and

            Whereas, It is of utmost importance for us to remember those who died and honor those who survived the Holocaust, so that their courage and resolve may never be forgotten; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare April 25, 2017, as Holocaust Commemoration Day in the state of Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That in honor of the victims of the Holocaust, the survivors, and their liberators, the citizens of Michigan should reflect upon this terrible event and strive to overcome hatred and intolerance through learning and remembrance.