International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2025 Ceremonies

Photos by Rink

The 2025 International Holocaust Remembrance Day marked the 80th anniversary of the day when the Auschwitz Concentration Camp in Poland was liberated on January 27, 1945. The United Nations General Assembly designated January 27 as the day to remember this significant moment and the millions of victims of the Holocaust and Nazi persecution.

The San Francisco ceremonies coincided with the annual international gathering held at Auschwitz-Birkenau. This year, King Charles III and numerous dignitaries, including former second gentleman of the U.S., Douglas Emhoff, participated in the ceremony in Poland. An official delegation, led by Secretary of Commerce nominee Steve Witkoff, also attended.

Here in the Castro, members of the American Legion Post 448, along with representatives of other organizations, gathered at Jane Warner Plaza. The group marched together to the Pink Triangle Memorial located on Market Street across from Harvey Milk Plaza.

Speaking during the ceremony were Jimmy McConnell, representing the veterans, and the Night Ministry’s John Brent. Sister Dharma from the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence also spoke.

Guests included the outgoing President of the Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club, Gary McCoy, and Congregation Sha’ar Zahav President Mike Shriver. Veterans Squadron Leader Morningstar Vancil also attended.
Many other such ceremonies took place across the city and Bay Area. At the Holocaust Memorial located near the Legion of Honor in San Francisco, several city and state officials, including Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and State Senator Scott Wiener, participated in a ceremony hosted by the American Jewish Committee and the Jewish Family and Children’s Services Holocaust Center.

For more information about the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, visit: https://bit.ly/3Wysu7d