on an historic ceremony held on October 12, 2000 in Washington, DC. With Elie Wiesel at his side, this giant of American political history delivered the following memorable, uplifting statement:

‘I am pleased to sign into law H.R. 4115, which would permanently authorize the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

‘One of my earliest acts as president was to dedicate the museum, and since then almost 1.5 million people have visited the institution, which serves as a constant and painful reminder that racism, anti-Semitism, and all forms of hatred are ever-present dangers, and that indifference to hatred are ever-present dangers, and that indifference to hatred makes each of us complicit in some way. Each generation must be taught these critical lessons anew, and therefore the museum’s special emphasis on reaching America’s young people is vitally important for our country’s future.

‘The Museum has become a moral compass that must endure, especially as the Holocaust recedes with time. When the survivors are gone, our nation will have this vital American institution to illustrate humanity’s darkest potential and to inspire our eternal vigilance.’

On a solemn pilgrimage to the Holocaust Holy of Holies in Jerusalem on October 31, 2000, German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder accidentally extinguished the eternal flame for the Six Million.

At a ceremony at the Yad Vashem memorial, Schröder turned a handle that was supposed to make the flame rise. Unfortunately, it went out instead.

Then Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, who accompanied Schröder, stepped forward to try to help, but was unsuccessful. Finally a technician used a lighter with some gas to bring the flame back to life again.