MuseumApril 15, 2009
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA TO DELIVER KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM’S ANNUAL DAYS OF REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY IN U.S. CAPITOL ROTUNDA
CEREMONY WILL BE WEBCAST LIVE ON THURSDAY, APRIL 23, AT 11:00AM EST ON www.ushmm.org
Each Year the Museum Leads the Nation in Holocaust Commemoration — Museum’s 2009 Theme, “Never Again: What You Do Matters,” Emphasizes Individual Responsibility
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Barack Obama will be the keynote speaker at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Days of Remembrance ceremony to be held in the United States Capitol Rotunda on Thursday, April 23 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern. The ceremony will be webcast live on the Museum's Web site at www.ushmm.org.
Nobel Laureate and Founding Museum Chairman Elie Wiesel will also deliver remarks.
From April 19 through April 26, the Museum will lead the nation’s annual Days of Remembrance commemorating the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust, as well as the millions of other victims of Nazi persecution. The Museum designated, “Never Again: What You Do Matters,” as the theme for the 2009 observances, to encourage all Americans to reflect upon the power of individuals to create a more just and humane world. These observances will take place in communities, state houses, city halls, churches, and synagogues in the United States and military installations worldwide.
“We are honored that President Obama will participate in our Days of Remembrance ceremony,” said Fred S. Zeidman, Chairman of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. “At this critical moment, with hatred and antisemitism on the rise in so many parts of the world, and genocide still a reality, we are reminded of the continued relevance of the Holocaust and the urgency of its lessons. What the Holocaust teaches us with such moral clarity is the power of the individual and the responsibility we all have to not stand silent in the face of injustice.”
In addition to the invitation-only Rotunda event, the Museum will hold a public names reading of Holocaust victims on Tuesday, April 21, in the Museum’s Hall of Remembrance from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. More information on Days of Remembrance activities can be found at www.ushmm.org/remembrance/dor.
A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires citizens and leaders to confront hatred, promote human dignity and prevent genocide. Federal support guarantees the Museum’s permanent place on the National Mall, and its far-reaching educational programs and global impact are made possible by the generosity of donors nationwide. For more information, visit www.ushmm.org.
MEDIA: All media must have Capitol Hill press credentials. To acquire credentials, please contact the appropriate Gallery. Space is limited. Media should RSVP with the appropriate Gallery and can contact the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum for more information.
Broadcast media: House Radio and Television Gallery, 202-225-5214, Kim Oates kim.oates@mail.house.gov or Andy Elias andy.elias@mail.house.gov.
Still photographers: Jeff Kent at 202-224-6548 or Jeff_Kent@saa.senate.gov.
Daily print media: Molly Cain at 202-225-3945 or molly.cain@mail.house.gov.
Weekly publications and periodicals: Jay Rupert at 202-225-2941 or jay.rupert@mail.house.gov.
All television equipment must be in place in the Rotunda by 8:30 a.m. for security sweeps. The Rotunda will open to the press at 7:00 a.m.
