Events in Dorset to mark Holocaust Memorial Day
Public commemorations are being held in Weymouth and Dorchester
Events are being held in Dorchester and Weymouth today (Friday 27th January) to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.
It's a day to remember the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution, and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.
In Weymouth, the annual service to mark the event is being held in Radipole Park and Gardens at 10.30am.
It'll begin at the Holocaust memorial tree, near Alexandra Bridge, hosted by the Town's Mayor and her Chaplain, Honorary Alderman, Reverend Brian Ellis.
Mayor of Weymouth, Cllr Ann Weaving said:
“This service is 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 am proud to host this Weymouth Town Council event and lead the community in raising awareness for Holocaust Memorial Day.”
In Dorchester, an event's being held at the Corn Exchange, between 12.30pm and 1.30pm.
It'll feature speakers, music, and presentations from local schools, ahead of the lighting of candles and a minute's silence.
The theme for this service is ‘Ordinary People’ and will explore how ordinary people became involved in the Holocaust, and other genocides, as perpetrators, victims, bystanders, witnesses, and rescuers.
Emma Scott, Community Development Officer at Dorchester Town Council said:
“This is always a very poignant event, and one that is still meaningful today. It allows us not only to remember those who died during the Holocaust and in subsequent genocides, but also to honour their deaths by pledging to stand up to discrimination and hatred which we continue to need to resist today."
Cllr Janet Hewitt, The Mayor of Dorchester said:
“This is a longstanding event that the Town Council have always been pleased to support. We especially value the input of children and young people as it ensures that the lessons of the past are being learned and shared to create a better future."
Book displays marking Holocaust Memorial Day are also being held at Dorset Council libraries in Blandford, Corfe Mullen, Dorchester, Portland, Upton, Verwood, Wimborne and Weymouth.