March 6 is European Day of the Righteous, established in 2012 by the European Parliament to commemorate those who have stood up against crimes against humanity and totalitarianism.
The Day is celebrated on 6 March, the anniversary of the death of Moshe Bejski, initiator of the Gardens of the Righteous at Yad Vashem Institute in Israel, and co-author of the "Righteous Among Nations" idea.
Zbigniew Gluza, founder and president of the KARTA Centre Foundation, told PAP Polish Press agency that the European Parliament established an European Day of the Righteous so that the "Righteous Among Nations" concept is broadened to all forms of totalitarianism and all situations of genocide worldwide.
The title, adopted in 1963, was initially awarded to people risking their lives to help Jews in the Holocaust.
Since the establishment of the European Day of Righteous local Gardens of the Righreous and committees awarding the title were formed in countries all over the world, among others Armenia, Bosnia, Rwanda, Italy and France.
Poland's Garden of the Righteous opened in 2014. Annually, celebrations are held there to commemorate people who risked their lives in times of nazism and communism to protect the lives and dignity of others. Every person has a tree and a stone inscribed with their name and story.
Source: PAP