Service to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day 2024

Published: Tue 23rd January, 2024

An annual service to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day will take place at the bandstand in Queen’s Park in Loughborough.

The event on Saturday, January 27 at 12pm, will see the Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Margaret Smidowicz read a statement of commitment.

Members of the public are invited to attend the service and lay a pebble on the commemoration stone as a mark of respect to those who have lost their lives during the Holocaust.

The day is recognised across the world to remember the six million Jews that were murdered during the Holocaust, as well as the millions of other people killed from 1933-1945 under the Nazi persecution and in genocides across the world since.

Cllr Smidowicz, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day allows us to remember those who were killed in genocides and to show our support for an important cause.

“It is an opportunity to reflect and also remember that we must continue to stand-up against hatred, prejudice and discrimination whether that is in relation to race, ethnicity, gender or sexuality.

“My family and others have a personal connection to this important day of remembrance as do many of our residents. Your support is appreciated.”

The statement of commitment that will be read by Cllr Smidowicz, talks about the need to remember holocausts of the past, those who died and to ensure that we educate future generations.

The theme for this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day is ‘Fragility of Freedom’ encouraging people to reflect on how fragile freedom is as well as being vulnerable to abuse.

This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Communities around the UK will come together to pledge not to take freedom for granted and consider what they can do to strengthen freedoms around the world.

More information can be found out about this year’s theme on the Holocaust Memorial Day website.

A nationwide online ceremony called Curated Moments will take place at 7.30pm on Saturday January 27. The ceremony is organised by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and people can register to watch the ceremony online.