Posted on Monday 22nd January 2024
National Memorial Arboretum
People in Staffordshire are being invited to mark Holocaust Memorial Day on Saturday 27 January at a series of national and local events.
The annual day of reflection will remember those who lost their lives during the Nazi persecution and other genocides throughout history.
People will be able to watch Curated Moments from the Holocaust Memorial Day UK ceremony, before taking part in the Light the Darkness national moment on 27 January. At 8pm, people can join in by lighting candles and safely putting them in their windows. Using the hashtags #HolocaustMemorialDay and #LightTheDarkness, people will be able to share their moments with others.
Local services will also be held at St Edwards Church in Leek on Saturday 27 January and at St Mary's church in Stafford on Sunday 28 January.
Alan White, Leader of Staffordshire County Council said:
“Each year, across the country, thousands of people come together to remember the victims of Holocausts and those lives affected by persecution and genocide.
“It’s important that we continue to mark this day. It’s only by bringing people together and celebrating difference and diversity, that we can help build a better future for everyone.
“There are events taking place locally over the weekend and online and I would urge people to try and find some time to join in, reflect and mark the day.”
At the National Memorial Arboretum, local school children will take part in workshops to learn more about the Holocaust on Friday 26 January. Pupils will also get the chance to explore the memorials to discover the importance of Remembrance. An Act of Remembrance in the chapel will also be held on the same day and a traditional service and candle lighting will also take place on Saturday 27 January at 11am in the Millennium Chapel.
In Tamworth, pupils from Flax Hill Junior Academy are creating a green memorial with the help of their gardening club, for the victims of genocide and hate, on Wednesday 24 January. The Year 6 classes will be designing the images to be painted onto the planter, which will be positioned for all parents and visitors to the school to see.
Further details about the day and events and activities taking place can be found on the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust website.