Posted on Monday 27th January 2020
Staffordshire County Council Chief Executive John Henderson, Chairman Kath Perry, and Leader Philip Atkins, mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2020.
The leader of Staffordshire County Council has spoken of the importance of strong and unified communities as the country comes together to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.
Seventy-five years ago today (Monday 27 January) the infamous Nazi death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated. Since 2005, the date has been used to remember victims of genocide.
County Council Leader, Philip Atkins, said:
“We in Staffordshire are joining those across the country to remember all the lives lost and affected by Nazi persecution and genocide.
“This day offers an important opportunity for all communities across Staffordshire to remember those affected by genocide around the world, as the more we learn about them the more we are empowered to stand together and build a better future for all.”
Various organisations across the county marked the occasion with memorial events and activities and County Council libraries have set up Holocaust Memorial Day displays to encourage learning and reflection throughout the week.
Holocaust Memorial Trust Chief Executive, Olivia Marks-Woldman, said:
“Staffordshire’s commemorations are an important part of the national picture for Holocaust Memorial Day 2020. There are thousands of events taking place for this significant occasion, marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
“Today our world often feels fragile and vulnerable, with widespread prejudice and the language of hatred needing to be challenged in the UK. Now more than ever, we need to stand together with others in our communities to stop division and the spread of identity-based hostility in our society.”
More information on Holocaust Memorial Day and the work of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust can be found at: https://www.hmd.org.uk/