The day when the victims of the Holocaust are especially remembered, Holocaust Memorial Day, takes place on Friday 27 January, and it will again be marked by events taking place in Swindon.
The theme of this year’s event is “Speak Up, Speak Out”. Holocaust Memorial Day was first marked nationally in 2001, and is now established as an annual day of remembrance. Local authorities and faith groups have been asked to take a lead in developing local memorial events and appropriate activities.
The date, 27 January, marks the day when the Auschwitz concentration camps were liberated in 1945.
The day also encourages people to remember numerous other human rights tragedies around the world, including persecution and wars, past and present, and aims to help raise awareness among young people. Swindon schools have been encouraged to mark it.
There will be a short wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph in Regents Circus in Swindon at 12 noon, followed by a gathering for readings and reflection at 12.30 pm at the Friends Meeting House, Eastcott Hill.
Swindon Borough Council Leader Cllr Roderick Bluh said: “I am proud that Swindon has marked this day for the past eleven years – the event is so important in reminding future generations of horrors that must never be repeated.”
The event will also be attended by the Mayor of Swindon, Cllr Ray Ballman.
The gathering at the Friends Meeting House is expected to last an hour, with readings and presentations by members of many of Swindon's faith groups and community groups, as well as contributions from individuals.
Anyone with appropriate personal stories or readings is welcome to speak or read at the gathering, and are asked to contact Matt Holland at matt@lowershawfarm.co.uk beforehand, or speak to him on the day.
Light lunchtime refreshments, including sandwiches and hot drinks, will be provided.
Further information, and a more national perspective, about Holocaust Memorial Day, can be found on the internet, at www.hmd.org.uk