Holocaust Memorial Day events

An annual memorial service in recognition of Holocaust Memorial Day will take place in the Princess Diana Gardens (Radipole Park & Gardens), Radipole Park Drive, Weymouth on Monday 27th January. The service will begin at 10am at the Holocaust memorial tree, planted near to Alexandra Bridge.

The memorial service will be hosted by the Mayor of Weymouth Town Council Cllr Graham Winter, with prayers and a reading being led by the Mayor’s Chaplin Rev. Brian Ellis. They will be joined by faith representatives from the local community.

All members of the public are welcome to attend this service. Local councillors and Friends of the Parks will also be represented.

Holocaust Memorial Day on Monday 27th January is the annual day of remembrance for the victims and survivors of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, Darfur and Tibet.

Holocaust Memorial Day 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz – this is a significant milestone and is made particularly poignant by the dwindling number of survivors who are able to share their testimony. It also marks the 25th anniversary of the Genocide in Bosnia.

The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day this year is Stand Together.

Weymouth Town Council Mayor Cllr Graham Winter said:

“This local service is a chance for people to come along and join members of the community in paying their respects to the victims of the Holocaust and other genocides.”

“I am proud that the council can host these events and join the international community in raising awareness for these important commemorations such as Holocaust Memorial Day.”

As well as the service on Monday 27th January, a Holocaust Memorial Day display will be on public display at Weymouth Library from Monday 20th January to Tuesday 28th January. The display is organised by Barbara Cohen of the South West Dorset Multicultural Network, with the support of Weymouth Town Council and Weymouth Library.

The South West Dorset Multicultural Network have also organised a free event on Friday 24th January at the Corn Exchange, High West Street, Dorchester from 12.30pm-1.30pm. There will be a range of speakers. Doors open from midday to allow time to view exhibits before the event commences at 12.30pm. Light refreshments will be available following the event.