Whereas, The Holocaust was the state-sponsored, systematic persecution and annihilation of European Jewry by Nazi Germany and its collaborators between 1933 and 1945 where Jews were the primary victims, with over six million murdered; and,

Whereas, While Jews were the primary target, gypsies, the handicapped, and Poles were also targeted for destruction or decimation for racial, ethnic, or national reasons and millions more, including homosexuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Soviet prisoners of war and political dissidents, also suffered grievous oppression and death under Nazi tyranny; and,

Whereas, The history of the Holocaust offers an opportunity to reflect on the moral responsibilities of individuals, societies, and governments; and,

Whereas, We, the people of the State of Michigan, should always remember the terrible events of the Holocaust and remain vigilant against hatred, persecution, and tyranny; and,

Whereas, We, the people of the State of Michigan, should actively rededicate ourselves to the principles of individual freedom in a just society; and,

Whereas, The Days of Remembrance have been set aside for the citizens of the State of Michigan to remember the victims of the Holocaust as well as to reflect on the need for respect of all peoples; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 23, 2006, through April 30, 2006, as the Days of Remembrance in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, and in honor of its survivors, rescuers, and liberators, and I encourage the citizens of the State of Michigan to strive to overcome intolerance and indifference through learning and remembrance.