The House concurrent resolution No. R-209 recognizes January 27, 2026, as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Vermont. This day is observed annually to honor the victims of the Holocaust and to educate future generations about the importance of preventing such atrocities from occurring again. The resolution highlights the systematic persecution and murder of approximately six million Jews by Nazi Germany during World War II, as well as the targeting of other marginalized groups, including Roma, Poles, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and political dissidents. The date of January 27 was chosen to commemorate the liberation of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp in 1945, where many lives were lost.

The resolution emphasizes the ongoing issues of antisemitism and intolerance, underscoring the need for a society that respects all individuals and actively works to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies. It acknowledges the role of Holocaust survivors, their families, and organizations like the Vermont Holocaust Memorial in preserving the history and memory of the Holocaust. The resolution calls for educational efforts to promote understanding and respect among Vermonters, aligning with the mission of the Vermont Holocaust Memorial to foster a community free from antisemitism and discrimination. The Secretary of State is directed to send a copy of this resolution to the Vermont Holocaust Memorial.