The Holocaust and Reasons to Remember

Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it. A phrase that has been uttered numerous times by various individuals. This statement is one of the most compelling reasons why historical events such as the Holocaust should never be forgotten. The murder of some 20 million innocent people simply because someone else did not like who they were or what they did is well worth remembering.

Mention the Holocaust and most people think first of the six million Jews who were killed during the second World War. But the Jews were not the only people who were killed during this time. Anyone who was not thought to be of as pure Aryan stock and anyone who sympathized with or helped these people were also killed. Along with the Jews there were Gypsies, Homosexuals, people with mental problems and people with physical disabilities who were all on the list of people to "be exterminated". And in some cases like the Jews if a person had an ancestor who was Jewish that was enough to sign the death warrant.

In many cases people assumed that all of Germany was involved in this mass murder. that was not the case. Hitler of course was the lead culprit in this caper - a short dark haired dark eyed man touting only tall blue eyed blondes were pure. Hitler's top henchmen were all party to the massive genocide. Some of those involved who claimed only to be following orders had to know what they were doing and that it was wrong. But a majority of the German population believed only what they had been told and had no idea of what was truly taking place.

If for no other reason we should remember the Holocaust than to be weary of the events carried out by a few top officials in secret. Never again follow blindly, learn to question. A government who expects the people to blindly follow and accept all that they are told is never a good thing. A government that hides the truth is a very bad omen; one to be cautious about because all is not good.

There are those who deny the Holocaust ever took place. Denying the existence of a historical event is as bad as forgetting it ever took place. Events in our lives like events in history are there for a reason and should never be forgotten. If we are a people cannot learn from our mistakes; as well as, those in history than we are certainly a doomed people who will disappear long before our sun threatens the earth.