RESIDENTS are invited to come together to mark Holocaust Memorial Day in a year which marks the 77th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

A memorial service will take place in the Princess Diana Gardens (Radipole Park & Gardens), Radipole Park Drive, Weymouth on Thursday, January 27.

The service, organised by Weymouth Town Council, will begin at 10.30am at the Holocaust memorial tree - planted near to Alexandra Bridge - and donated to the council's open space by Weymouth resident Tony Hamm.

It will be hosted by the mayor Colin Huckle, with prayers and a reading being led by the mayor’s chaplain Rev Geoffrey Carey. They will be joined by faith representatives from the community.

Dorset Echo: Holocaust Memorial Day service, Radipole Gardens in 2019 Picture: Finnbarr WebsterHolocaust Memorial Day service, Radipole Gardens in 2019 Picture: Finnbarr Webster

Cllr Huckle said: "This important well supported 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'm proud that the council can host these events and join the international community in raising awareness for these important commemorations.”

Holocaust Memorial Day is the day for everyone to remember the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution - and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.

This year marks the 77 years since the liberation of Auschwitz – 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 27th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia.

It will be the first Holocaust Memorial Day since January 2020 following last year's event being cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This year’s theme is ‘One Day’, in the hope that there may be one day in the future where there will be no genocide.

For more information, visit: www.hmd.org.uk

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