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Days of Remembrance

Reflecting on our past, honoring the fallen, and pledging to a future free of hate on Days of Remembrance. A week of remembering the Holocaust's impact.

Sunday

25–9

April–May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAnnounced annually by US Holocaust Memorial Museum

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYCivics

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Dust off your history books and open your hearts because we are about to take a profound journey. May 5th signifies the Days of Remembrance, a solemn and poignant tribute to the millions of lives lost during the Holocaust. Initiated by the United States Congress as annual observance of the Holocaust, these poignant days spanning a week have been marked with reverence and reflection since the 1970s. The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum has been unwavering in its commitment to leading the country's remembrance efforts and inspiring others to do the same. As we navigate through these days, we honor the fallen, take lessons from our past, and steadfastly pledge towards a future freed from the chains of hate. Let's join hands on this inspiring journey of remembrance, learning, and hope.

TIMELINE

Days of Remembrance Timeline

End of the Holocaust

World War II ends with the liberation of concentration camps across Europe, marking an end to the systematic genocide of six million Jews by Nazi Germany.

President Carter's Commission

President Carter creates the President’s Commission on the Holocaust with the mandate to explore appropriate ways to commemorate the Holocaust.

Congressional Resolution

U.S. Congress unanimously passes a resolution establishing the "Days of Remembrance" as the nation's annual commemoration of the Holocaust.

Holocaust Memorial Museum Opening

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum opens in Washington, D.C., serving as a landmark for remembrance and education of the Holocaust atrocities.

United Nations Resolution

The United Nations General Assembly designates January 27, the day of Auschwitz’s liberation, as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Ongoing Commemoration

Each year, individuals, civic groups, and governmental bodies commemorate the Days of Remembrance with memorial ceremonies, educational programs, and resolutions.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Days of Remembrance

Attend a memorial event

Check your local listings for memorial events held during the week of Days of Remembrance. These events can include candle lighting ceremonies, speeches, and educational forums. Participating in these events can be a strong emotional tribute to those who lost their lives during the horrors of the Holocaust.

VISIT

Visit the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum

If possible, take the journey to visit the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. The powerful exhibits are a testament to the people who endured and lost their lives during the Holocaust. This enriching experience leaves a lasting impact on its visitors and gives a deeper understanding of the historic events.

READ

Read a personal account or memoir

There are numerous, powerful memoirs written by survivors or historians about the gruesome realities of the Holocaust. These memoirs offer a first-hand perspective on the experiences and put a human face on what can sometimes seem like distant history.

ORGANIZE

Organize or participate in community service

Community service is a way to honor the memory of the victims and to contribute positively to society. Organizing food drives, cleanup events, or offering help to the needy are all ways to participate in positive and restorative actions.

HOLD

Hold a themed book club meeting

Gather your book club to read and discuss books related to the Holocaust. This will help everyone involved get a deeper understanding and connection with the people who lived through these experiences. Be sure to choose books that are appropriate for all ages and sensitivities.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Days of Remembrance is Important

Committing to a Future Free of Hate

The Days of Remembrance serves as a commitment to work towards a future free from hate. This is a time for us all to learn from history and strive towards creating societies where such atrocities don't repeat. Participating in community service and educating oneself and others about the Holocaust are steps towards this goal.

Remembrance and Reflection

Days of Remembrance implore us to reflect on tragic history of the Holocaust. These days serve as a stark reminder of the horrors of the past, making sure that the hardships and horrors faced by millions are not forgotten and are reflected upon annually.

Honoring the Victims

This period of commemoration allows us to honor all those who lost their lives during the Holocaust. By attending memorial events, reading memoirs, or visiting the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, we are showing our respects and upholding the memory of those who perished.