Jan. 27 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2008

Statement on the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust January 27, 2008

On the third International Day of Com- lives to try to save the Nazis’ intended vic- memoration, we remember and mourn the tims. victims of the Holocaust. Remembering the victims, heroes, and I was deeply moved by my recent visit lessons of the Holocaust remains important to Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust museum. today. We must continue to condemn the Sixty-three years after the liberation of resurgence of anti-Semitism, that same vir- Auschwitz, we must continue to educate ulent intolerance that led to the Holocaust, ourselves about the lessons of the Holo- and we must combat bigotry and hatred caust and honor those whose lives were in all forms in America and abroad. Today taken as a result of a totalitarian ideology provides a sobering reminder that evil exists that embraced a national policy of violent and a call that when we find evil, we must hatred, bigotry, and extermination. It is also resist it. our responsibility to honor the survivors May God bless the memory of the vic- and those courageous souls who refused to tims of the Holocaust, and may we never be bystanders and instead risked their own forget.

Statement on the Death of Gordon B. Hinckley January 28, 2008

Laura and I are deeply saddened by the service strengthened the board of trustees death of our friend Gordon B. Hinckley. of Brigham Young University, the Boy While serving for over seven decades in Scouts of America, and the 2002 Winter the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Olympic games in Salt Lake City. In 2004, Saints, Gordon demonstrated the heart of I was honored to present him with the a servant and the wisdom of a leader. He Medal of Freedom, our Nation’s highest was a tireless worker and a talented com- civil award, in recognition of his lifelong municator who was respected in his com- public service. munity and beloved by his congregation. Laura and I will miss Gordon’s friendship As president of his church, he traveled to and wisdom. Our thoughts and prayers are more than 60 countries to spread a message with his five children and the rest of the of love and optimism to the millions of Hinckley family. people around the world who shared his faith. NOTE: The statement referred to Kathleen A Mayflower descendent and the grand- Barnes Walker, Virginia Pearce, Jane Dud- son of Mormon pioneers, Gordon was a ley, Richard Hinckley, and Clark Hinckley, deeply patriotic man. His leadership and children of Mr. Hinckley. HEARING with

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