Snapped: Holocaust Memorial Day

The day when the victims of the Holocaust and other appalling human rights tragedies are especially remembered, Holocaust Memorial Day, took place on Tuesday 27 January, with events all over Swindon. TGtS was present to remember and pay homage to the victims of human rights violations in during the Holocaust and beyond.

The theme of this year’s event is “Keep the memory alive”. Holocaust Memorial Day was first marked nationally and in Swindon in 2001, and is now established as an annual day of remembrance. Local authorities and faith groups have been asked to lead in developing local memorial events and appropriate activities.

The 27th January, marks the day in which the Auschwitz concentration camps were liberated by allied forces in 1945.

The day also encourages people to remember and pay respects to the many other human rights tragedies around the world, including persecution and wars, past and present, and has the aim of helping to raise awareness among young people. Swindon schools were also encouraged to mark this important date.

There was a short 20-minute wreath-laying ceremony at the Regents Circus Cenotaph in Regents Circus at 12 noon, followed by a gathering for readings and reflection at 12.30pm at the Friends Meeting House, Eastcott Hill. The readings and presentations were by members of many of Swindon’s faith groups and community groups, as well as the numerous contibutions by individuals.

Councillor David Renard, Swindon Borough Council leader, who attended the ceremony, said: “This event is important because it reminds us of the horrors of the past. It might be easier to forget, but we mustn’t, not just because we should remember the suffering of the victims, but also because we will be less likely to see history repeated.”

The Mayor of Swindon, Councillor Teresa Page, was also in attendance.

Anyone with appropriate personal stories or readings is welcome to speak or read at the gathering, and is asked to contact Matt Holland at [email protected]  beforehand, or speak to him on the day.

All in all this event, like the World War One centenary, proves that Swindon is a town which will never forget.