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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Between 1933 and 1945, Nazi Germany carried out the |
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systematic persecution and annihilation of six million European |
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Jews, as well as millions of other people, and this mass slaughter, |
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known as the Holocaust, will forever signify the devastating |
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results of unchecked intolerance, racism, and cruelty; and |
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WHEREAS, Although it is a painful and wrenching experience to |
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reflect on the tragic events that occurred during these dark years, |
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it is only through remembrance that we can rightfully acknowledge |
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and honor the men, women, and children whose lives were brutally cut |
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short; Jews became the primary victims of the state-sponsored |
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genocide, while Roma, Poles, disabled individuals, homosexuals, |
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Jehovah's Witnesses, Soviet prisoners of war, and political |
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dissidents were also persecuted; ultimately, all of these groups |
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were decimated under the tyranny of the Third Reich; and |
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WHEREAS, This horrific and shameful history is a powerful |
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reminder of our responsibilities as citizens of a democracy to |
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remain vigilant against hatred, bigotry, and violence and to defend |
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the causes of individual freedom, national liberty, and equality |
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and respect for every human being; moreover, we must reject the |
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false claims of those who deny the Holocaust; and |
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WHEREAS, Each year, the United States Holocaust Memorial |
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Council designates an eight-day period as the Holocaust Days of |
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Remembrance, and this year's commemoration extends from Sunday, May |
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1, through Sunday, May 8, 2011; and |
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WHEREAS, The events of the Holocaust are inextricably linked |
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to the obligation of people everywhere to uphold the cause of human |
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rights, and as we, the people of Texas, recall this disturbing time |
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in history, may we also be mindful of our duty to stand firm against |
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all forms of injustice; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize May 1 through 8, 2011, as the |
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Holocaust Days of Remembrance, and encourage all Texans to do their |
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part to keep the stories of Holocaust victims and survivors alive. |