Fairfax County School Board proclaims April 24 2025 Holocaust Remembrance Day

In a solemn yet significant moment, the Fairfax County School Board gathered on April 24, 2025, to honor the memory of the millions who perished during the Holocaust. The meeting opened with a powerful proclamation led by Miss Saint John Cunning, emphasizing the importance of Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The proclamation detailed the systematic extermination of six million Jews by the Nazis, highlighting the chilling efficiency of this genocide, which included the use of gas chambers. It also acknowledged the broader scope of Nazi atrocities, which targeted not only Jews but also Roma, individuals with disabilities, and various other groups deemed undesirable. The proclamation underscored the necessity of education about the Holocaust as a vital tool in combating rising antisemitism and ensuring that such horrors are never repeated.

The Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has committed to teaching students about the Holocaust, aligning with state social studies standards. This education is supported by professional development for educators, utilizing resources from esteemed organizations such as the Virginia Holocaust Museum and the Anne Frank Museum.

As the board unanimously adopted the proclamation, they encouraged the community to reflect on the over six million lives lost and to commit to being upstanders for freedom and peace. This moment not only served as a reminder of the past but also as a call to action for the present and future, fostering a community dedicated to remembrance and education.