Stevenage remembers the victims of the Holocaust
Stevenage MP Barbara Follett joined Mayor Pam Stuart, Stevenage Borough Councillors and a group of local people in remembering the victims of the Holocaust and Nazi persecution on Monday 27th January.
January 27th was chosen as the annual Holocaust Memorial Day three years ago. This date marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.
This is the third year that Stevenage has marked Holocaust Memorial Day. This year, the day also reflected upon the more recent atrocities such as those in Cambodia, Rwanda, Kosovo and Bosnia. One of the main aims of the Day is to educate against anti-Semitism, racism and discrimination.
A tree planting ceremony took place in Town Centre gardens, dedicated to the memory of those who suffered and those who lost their lives. Those gathered also held a minute’s silence.
Mrs Follett read a poem by Edward Bond called "If". The Mayor read "A Cartload of Shoes" by Abraham Sutzever. Omar Ismail from the Stevenage World Forum of Ethnic Communities and John Hayes, Headteacher at Fairlands School also said a few words.
Mrs Follett said "In these difficult times it is very important to remember the mistakes of the past and make sure that they inform the present."
Issued: 29.01.03
Further information
Please contact Faye Bunch via the 'Contact' page, or by fax on 020 7219 1158.
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