Events to mark Holocaust Memorial Day in Dorset
The day marks the anniversary of liberation at the Auschwitz camp
Events are being held across Dorset today (Saturday 27th January) to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.
It's in remembrance of the millions of people killed during the atrocity, as well as further genocides in areas including Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
A service is being held in Weymouth, at the Radipole Park and Gardens from 10.30am.
The Town Council's organised it, to take place at the Holocaust memorial tree, planted near Alexandra Bridge.
Mayor of Weymouth, Councillor Kate Wheller will host the service, with the Mayor's Chaplain, Reverend Betty Port, saying prayers and giving a reading.
This year’s theme for the day is “Fragility of Freedom” - which aims to highlight that many people in western democracies take freedoms for granted and encourages people to reflect on how these freedoms need to be valued, and how many people around the world face restrictions to their freedoms to live, worship, work and love freely.
Mayor of Weymouth, Cllr Kate Wheller, said:
“This is a poignant service and an opportunity for people to come together and join members of the community in paying their respects to the victims of the Holocaust, and other genocides which have taken place since then.
“I take pride in hosting this important Weymouth Town Council event, which helps to raise awareness about Holocaust Memorial Day.”
South Dorset MP Richard Drax has this week signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment, pledging his commitment to the Memorial Day and honouring those who were murdered.
He's also paid tribute to the extraordinary Holocaust survivors who work tirelessly to educate young people today.
After signing the Book of Commitment, Richard Drax MP said:
“Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity for people from South Dorset to reflect on the darkest times of European history. Today, I pledge to remember the six million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered in the Holocaust and speak out against all forms of antisemitism, which in recent months has risen exponentially and which needs to be tackled head on.”
The Bournemouth and Poole Holocaust Memorial Day Committee will be hosting an event at Lighthouse in Poole tomorrow (Sunday 28th January).
Lynda Ford-Horne, one of the organisers of Bournemouth and Poole Holocaust Memorial Day, said:
“On top of the countless innocent lives lost through every genocide, we also see those who survive lose their freedom to live. The result of these genocides is children who have been raised to be so fearful of their actions, having to monitor everything they say and do, because their lives lay in the hands of others.
“This year’s event is particularly significant, as not only will we be remembering 3 very important days in history and also all those who are suffering conflict in the Middle East.”
The memorial event is being held 2.00pm and 4.30pm.
It's free to attend, but tickets will need to be booked in advance via Eventbrite.