Holocaust Memorial Day
Today is Holocaust Memorial Day, which will be commemorated locally by placing candles in windows and remembrance services
The day marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp complex, and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia, this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) has the theme For a Better Future.
City of Lincoln Council is encourageing residents to join others across the UK to light a Holocaust Memorial Day candle at 8pm to symbolise hope and shine a light in the darkness
A service will be held at Lincoln Cathedral at 5.30pm to remember those who were killed in the Holocaust and other genocides. The service will include spoken testimony, and the Cathedral Choir singing reflective music. All are welcome.
The commemoration at the University of Lincoln will be held at 7pm will start with a discussion about the Holocaust and its significance led by the UOL History Society.
In North Kesteven battery candles will be placed in leisure and tourism venues to join the commemoration.
Council Leader Cllr Richard Wright said: “There is a lot we can learn about the Holocaust, broader Nazi persecution and genocides in Bosnia, Darfur, Rwanda and Cambodia. These are not remote historic events but acts of sustained prejudice and systemic hatred that continue to shake the foundations of civilisation to this day.
“Not only did the Nazis target the Jews and Roma for total annihilation, but persecuted other people, including disabled, LGBT+ and black people, trade unionists, Jehovah's Witnesses and many others who didn’t conform to their ideal. Sadly, discrimination of a person’s identity did not stop with the Holocaust, but is still happening today, in our own lives and communities.
“In order that every one of us can express themselves freely, fulfil their potential and flourish, it is essential that our communities feel safe, supported and secure. What the Holocaust shows us is that we should all learn from the past, not to turn a blind eye but as ordinary citizens to speak out against persecution of ethnicity, faith, sexuality or other characteristics, to challenge prejudice and to take positive action to bring that better future to bear.
“By lighting a candle, reflecting on the past and committing to how we can create a better future, we will carry forward the legacy of the millions who were silenced.”