Today is International Holocaust Memorial Day, January 27, 2021.

The day is to remember the six million Jews who were killed under Nazi persecutions, as well as those who died in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.

As well as learning about the past, the day hopes to inspire a better future.

This year it may not be possible to meet in person to observe the day, but a virtual ceremony will take place and everyone is encouraged to join in by lighting a candle in their own homes.

The aim of the ceremony is “to remember all those who were murdered for who they were” and to “stand against prejudice and hatred in the world today”.

I will have a candle burning on our stone steps this evening. Hopefully, it will cause us (you) to stop and think about where we are today and how that many people could have been murdered and persecuted - for what? Power to feel in control ?

Yes, I’m sure we’ve seen the power struggles between the “leaders” that support toxic and hateful positions in our government. We also have seen public servants that believe in standing up for the truth for what it takes to make our world better. A world for all, not just a few bigoted “representatives”.

I view this public article as a service call for peaceful change and awareness that fascism still exists, even in our little pretty towns and counties of the great state of Maine.

I welcome your thoughts and comments to support this day of remembrance. Grace and peace.

Peter Lindquist lives in Camden