Holland & Knight Charitable Foundation Sponsors United States Holocaust Memorial Museum 20th Anniversary National Tour and Tribute

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 1, 2013) — The Holland & Knight Charitable Foundation is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's 20th Anniversary National Tour and Tribute. The Museum will mark two decades of honoring the memory of the Holocaust with a National Tribute to Holocaust Survivors and World War II Veterans on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in a National Tour to four U.S. cities, and in communities nationwide.

The anniversary theme, “Never Again. What You Do Matters,” asks America to renew its pledge to honor Holocaust survivors and World War II veterans and challenges today’s generations to act on the lessons of the Holocaust and fulfill the promise of “Never Again.” A special 20th anniversary website, ushmm.org/neveragain, provides 20 actions people anywhere can take to raise awareness about the Holocaust and its continuing relevance.

“In just 20 years the Museum has vastly exceeded the most optimistic hopes of its founders, many of whom were survivors,” says Museum Director Sara J. Bloomfield. “It has not only educated millions worldwide about the Holocaust, it has also helped shape our national discourse about the moral responsibilities of individuals and nations. The issues the Museum addresses—the fragility of democracy, the nature of hate, and the consequences of indifference—will only become more important in the next 20 years.”

The Holland & Knight Charitable Foundation has a long history of supporting Holocaust-related education initiatives and for the past 18 years has organized the Holocaust Remembrance Project, an educational program and essay contest for high-school students and teachers that serves as a living memorial to the millions of victims of the Holocaust. The Project has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships and prizes to student essayists.

"We are extremely proud to partner with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum for their 20th Anniversary celebrations," said Ralph Lepore, chair of Holland & Knight's Director's Committee and Charitable Foundation. "We have worked closely with the Museum for years in connection with our Holocaust Remembrance Project and, together, we've been able to provide thousands of students with a memorable learning experience that they will pass on to future generations."

"Our commitment to Holocaust education is unwavering." said Holland & Knight partner and member of the Museum's 20th Anniversary Committee, David Silver. "As lawyers, we have a responsibility to promote justice. One way we satisfy this responsibility is to ensure that younger generations learn from the injustices of the past."

Details on the National Tour and Tribute:

20th Anniversary National Tour

On this historic occasion, the Museum is planning a four-city tour to honor survivors and World War II veterans, bringing the history and lessons of the Holocaust to local communities and thanking them for their continuing support to secure the future of the Museum’s work. Recognizing that the generation of survivors and World War II veterans is aging, the Museum is taking its 20th anniversary programming to four U.S. cities that have some of the largest survivor populations.

Boca Raton, Florida: January 28, 2013, Marriott at Boca Center
Los Angeles: February 17, 2013, Skirball Cultural Center
New York: March 3, 2013, Hilton New York
Chicago: June 9, 2013, Chicago Cultural Center

20th Anniversary National Tribute

On Sunday and Monday, April 28–29, 2013, the National Tribute to Holocaust Survivors and World War II Veterans in Washington, D.C., will bring together survivors, World War II veterans, and their families. All events are free for Holocaust survivors and World War II veterans, but registration is required.

Thousands of people from across the country and around the world will join Museum Founding Chairman Elie Wiesel at this historic two-day gathering. At the National Tribute Dinner on April 28, the Museum will present its highest honor, the Elie Wiesel Award, to two individuals:

Wladyslaw Bartoszewski of Poland, on behalf of all rescuers and in recognition of his extraordinary actions saving Jews during the Holocaust, and Susan Eisenhower, granddaughter of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, who will accept the medal on behalf of all World War II veterans.

For more information on the National Tour and Tribute, please visit ushmm.org/neveragain or call 866.998.7466.

About the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity. Federal support guarantees the Museum’s permanent place on the National Mall, and its far-reaching educational programs and global impact are made possible by generous donors. ushmm.org

About the Holland & Knight Charitable Foundation:  The Holland & Knight Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization formed in 1996 to conduct the myriad charitable activities led by Holland & Knight employees. foundation.hklaw.com