27/01/2025
*Reposted from The Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland*
Holocaust Memorial Day - let us never forget!
As Freemasons, we stand in solemn remembrance today, reflecting on the atrocities of the Holocaust and the profound loss of life that took place. On this Holocaust Memorial Day, we honor the millions of victims who were persecuted, tortured, and murdered during this dark chapter in history. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of hatred, intolerance, and prejudice, urging us to remain vigilant in our efforts to combat these forces wherever they exist.
Among the countless individuals who perished, an estimated 80,000 Freemasons were victims of the N**i regime. Masonic Lodges were forcibly closed, their property seized, and their members excluded from society. Many Brethren were imprisoned in concentration camps, and some were even marked as “political prisoners,” forced to wear the inverted red triangle badge. Despite the horrors they endured, many Freemasons remained steadfast in their commitment to the values of brotherhood, equality, and truth.
In a quiet act of defiance, some members of Germany’s pre-war Grand Lodge of the Sun began wearing the blue forget-me-not flower as a symbol of their identity and resistance. This emblem, later adopted as a symbol of Freemasonry, represents the enduring strength of those who fought to preserve their dignity and beliefs even in the face of unspeakable suffering.
Today, Freemasons around the world continue to wear the forget-me-not flower as a symbol of remembrance and solidarity with all victims of genocide. It is a tribute to the Brethren who lived through those dark times and a promise to never forget the lessons of history. We remember them not just for their suffering, but for their courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the ideals of Freemasonry.
As we reflect on the Holocaust, let us recommit ourselves to the principles of brotherhood, compassion, and justice. Let us ensure that the horrors of the past are never repeated, and that the voices of those who suffered are never silenced.
https://www.grandlodgescotland.com/holocaust-remembrance-day/
