Auschwitz Liberation Day is an important day of remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust in Ukraine. On January 27, 2023, citizens of Ukraine will gather to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. This commemoration offers a chance to remember and honor those who suffered and died at the hands of Nazi Germany during World War II. It also serves as a reminder to never forget what happened, so that it never happens again. In this blog post, we will discuss how Ukraine plans to mark this upcoming event and why it is important for Ukrainians to take part in its festivities.
What is Auschwitz Liberation Day?
Auschwitz Liberation Day, also known as International Holocaust Remembrance Day, is marked on January 27 each year. It commemorates the day in 1945 when the Soviet Army liberated the Auschwitz concentration camp in southern Poland.
In the years since, Auschwitz has come to symbolize the Nazi regime’s atrocities and the Holocaust more broadly. Every year on January 27, world leaders and dignitaries gather at Auschwitz to remember the victims of the Holocaust and reaffirm their commitment to fighting bigotry and hatred.
In recent years, events have also been held in cities around the world on January 27 to mark Auschwitz Liberation Day and honor the memory of those who perished in the Holocaust.
The History of Auschwitz
Auschwitz was a concentration and extermination camp operated by the Nazi regime during World War II. The camp was located in the southern Polish town of Oswiecim, about 25 miles west of the then German city of Krakow. Auschwitz was the largest of the Nazi concentration camps, with over a million inmates, most of whom were Jewish.
The history of Auschwitz is closely aligned with the rise of Nazi Germany and the horrific events of the Holocaust. In 1940, Auschwitz was established as a concentration camp for Polish political prisoners. However, it was soon expanded to accommodate Jews from all over Europe who were deemed enemies of the Nazi state. The majority of those who perished at Auschwitz were Jewish people, but also included Roma (Gypsies), homosexuals, Soviet prisoners of war, and others who opposed Nazi Germany.
In January 1945, as Allied forces closed in on Auschwitz, the Nazis began to evacuate the camp. The SS officers forced inmates onto death marches towards other camps in Germany or Poland. Those who could not keep up were shot. In total, an estimated 1.1 million people died at Auschwitz between 1940 and 1945. On January 27th, 1945, Soviet troops liberated Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, freeing its surviving 7,000 inmates.
The Significance of January 27th
January 27th is the day that Auschwitz was liberated by Soviet troops in 1945. This date is significant because it marks the end of one of the largest and most notorious concentration and extermination camps operated by Nazi Germany during World War II. An estimated 1.1 million people, mostly Jews, were killed at Auschwitz. The liberation of the camp by Allied forces was a major turning point in the war and helped to pave the way for eventual victory over Nazi Germany.
How to commemorate Auschwitz Liberation Day
Auschwitz Liberation Day is commemorated every year on January 27. This day marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp by Soviet troops in 1945. The day is observed as a national day of remembrance in Ukraine, and memorial events are held across the country to honor the victims of the Holocaust.
In Kyiv, the main memorial event takes place at Babi Yar, where a mass grave contains the remains of some 100,000 victims of Nazi atrocities. A wreath-laying ceremony is held at the site, followed by a march to Memorial Square, where a moment of silence is observed.
Other events take place throughout Ukraine on this day, including exhibitions, educational programs, and film screenings. These events help to raise public awareness about the Holocaust and its lessons for today.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2023: Date, History, Significance (www.eduvast.com)
Conclusion
January 27, 2023 marks a significant day in history – Auschwitz Liberation Day. It is a reminder of the tragic events that happened during World War II and the terrible suffering experienced by millions of Jews and others who were persecuted in concentration camps. Today, we must remember what happened at Auschwitz and other similar places, so that such atrocities are never repeated again. By keeping alive memories of those who perished there, we can ensure that their stories remain with us for generations to come as a warning not to ever let it happen again.
AUSCHWITZ LIBERATION DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | January 27 | Friday |
| 2024 | January 27 | Saturday |
| 2025 | January 27 | Monday |
| 2026 | January 27 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | January 27 | Wednesday |
