The seventh annual Days of Remembrance essay contest for students in grades 7 to 12 is now available. Students must write an essay in response to the following prompt:

In Germany and Europe during the 1930s and 1940s, members of many institutions and organizations (churches, military, sports groups, semi- official groups like the Hitler Youth, etc.) had to decide how they would respond to Germany’s mass murder of Jews and others. Pick a group or organization. Explain that group’s behavior in the Holocaust. How did they respond to the Nazi government? How did they relate to individual Jews or other state-sanctioned “enemies?” Then, explain how studying this group’s response to the Holocaust today can help us remember the Holocaust better and what lessons we can learn.

There are separate contests for middle school and high school students. First place will get $500, second place $250, third place $150, and up to 20 honorable mentions at $100. All reasonable contestant submissions will be awarded a certificate. Entry deadline is on March 15, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

This is an opportunity for inquisitive students — through research, analysis, and writing skill individually or as part of a school class, religious or scouting group — to be responsible, informed, and patriotic citizens and serve as models for all Americans, young and old. Students are encouraged to visit their community library and research books on the Holocaust.

The essay contest is sponsored by local military, religious and business organizations.

Complete information is at http://www.daysofremembrance.org/.