Posted on Wednesday 22nd January 2025
Alan White
People in Staffordshire are being invited to mark Holocaust Memorial Day on Monday 27 January.
The annual day of reflection remembers those who lost their lives during the Nazi persecution and other genocides throughout history.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp, and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia.
Local services to mark the day are being held at St Edward’s Church in Leek on Saturday 25 January, the Collegiate Church of Saint Mary, Stafford on Sunday 26 January and the National Memorial Arboretum, in Alrewas on Monday 27 January.
People are also invited to take part in the Light the Darkness national moment at 8pm on 27 January 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.
Alan White, Leader of Staffordshire County Council, said:
“It’s important to mark this day and to remember the victims of Holocausts and those lives affected by persecution and genocide.
“Many UK communities are feeling vulnerable, with hostility and suspicion of others rising. By marking the day, we hope to create an opportunity for people to come together, learn both from and about the past, and take actions to make a better future for everyone.
“There are many different ways to get involved and I would urge people to try and find some time to join in, reflect and mark the day.”
Further details about the day, events and activities taking place can be found on the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust website.