West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) will be marking Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) on Friday 26 January to remember the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust under Nazi persecution and in genocides in Rwanda, Cambodia, Bosnia and Darfur.
HMD 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and this year’s theme is Fragility of Freedom. This reflects on how freedom is fragile and vulnerable to abuse. Genocide never just happens, there are always a set of circumstances which occur or are created to build the climate within which it can take place.
To mark the day dignitaries and community groups will come together for a ceremony in the Great Hall, within the Guildhall, Northampton from 1pm. The event will commence with refreshments and Challah Bread followed by various speakers including Lord Lieutenant James Saunders-Watson, Chairman of WNC John Shephard, WNC Leader Cllr Jonathan Nunn, Pastor Volker Landing and Cllr Sam Rumens.
In attendance there will be Uta Esselborn from the Gröschlerhaus (Holocaust museum) in Germany. There will be performances from Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts (NMPAT) and Northamptonshire schools. The event will conclude with the laying of flowers in the courtyard.
Cllr David Smith, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement, and Regulatory Services: “Holocaust Memorial Day gives us a chance to remember those who have died in past genocides. On this annual day we will honour the victims and we stand in solidarity with the communities and families affected. I would like to invite and encourage residents to join in the service of remembrance.”
The ceremony will be recorded and shared via WNC’s Facebook and You Tube channel.
To view the full programme for the day, please visit the Holocaust Memorial Day webpage.
Residents are invited to join the Light the Darkness National Moment at 8pm where people can light candles and place them safely in their windows to stand against prejudice and hatred today.