‘Shining light into the darkness’ – West Berkshire marks Holocaust Memorial Day

Photo above: Vice Chairman of West Berkshire Council, Councillor Rick Jones addresses the gathering around the steps of Newbury Town Hall.

At noon today, councillors and members of the public gathered around the steps of Newbury Town Hall to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

With the market in the background, there were a series of speeches expressing the importance of the day, and continuing efforts to prevent genocide.

The Mayor of Newbury, Councillor Billy Drummond, started the speeches and was followed by Councillor Rick Jones, Vice-Chairman of West Berkshire Council and Councillor Jeff Brooks, Deputy Mayor of Thatcham. The event was hosted by Graeme Panting from the United Nations Association Newbury, with several other councillors, including the Leader of West Berkshire Council, Councillor Lynne Doherty, attending.

Councillor Jeff Brooks, Deputy Mayor of Thatcham said:

“For those affected by the Holocaust, fear, hopelessness and dread, all have a profound and long-lasting impact. Light is shown by resistance, a light in the darkness, rescue – extreme bravery. Lighting the way with kindness, shining light into the darkness.”

International Holocaust Memorial Day is held every year on January 27th, which is the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. The Holocaust Memorial Day trust website says:

“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.”

The photo below shows the Mayor of Newbury, Councillor Billy Drummond (left) speaking at the event, with Graham Panting of the United Nations Association Newbury.