Service to mark Holocaust Memorial Day

A special service of remembrance will be held in the Council Chamber at Shirehall in Shrewsbury next Monday (28 January) at 4.00pm to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2008 – and people from across Shropshire are being invited to attend.

Holocaust Memorial Day falls on 27 January each year and has been declared an international day of remembrance by the United Nations. It is an opportunity to commemorate all those who were victims of the Holocaust and Nazi persecution, as well as the victims of genocides like those in Bosnia and Rwanda.

The service at Shirehall will be led by Brian Gillow, Chairman of Shropshire County Council. His opening address will be followed by a short film provided by the Holocaust Memorial Trust, and then a series of readings - entitled “Darfuri Monolgues” – will be given by students from Shrewsbury College.

Following a prayer and one minute’s reflection, led by Reverend David Roberts from Craven Arms, a short reading – entitled Hope For The Future – will be given by Kal Parkash, Diversity Officer with Shropshire County Council.

Councillor Gillow will then bring the service to a close.

Brian Gillow said: “The lessons of the Holocaust are as important today as they have ever been. This special event will help us to consider how we can all learn these lessons and put them to good use as we seek to reduce intolerance towards minorities, learn to respect each other, and stamp out the discrimination and genocide that sadly still exists in the world today.

“As a council we are continually striving to address issues of equality and diversity and we are working hard to eliminate discrimination and improve access for all.”

The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2008 is “Imagine...remember, reflect, react”.

23 January 2008