Imagine: Remember, Reflect, React. Folkestone Marks Holocaust Memorial Day
Pupils from Folkestone School for Girls, The Folkestone Academy, Pent Valley Technology College and the Harvey Grammar School came together with representatives of groups from across Folkestone in a Holocaust Memorial Service at Pent Valley School this evening.
The service, organised by Folkestone Town Council, featured music, dance, drama, readings and reflections of the Imagine theme with performances by the four local schools and the lighting of a candle of hope by members of the local community.
Holocaust Memorial Day is commemorated on or near 27th January each year. This marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Nazi Germany murdered six million Jews in a systematic, state-sponsored campaign of persecution and extermination now known as the Holocaust. It persecuted, incarcerated and murdered millions of its own citizens, and those of the countries it invaded, on the basis of skin colour; disability; sexual orientation; ethnicity; religious belief or political affiliation.
The day aims to commemorate, to educate and to prompt action in the UK. It commemorates the lives of those lost in the Holocaust; as a result of Nazi persecution and in more recent genocides. It educates about the Holocaust and it lessons for the present day. It prompts action in the UK highlighting the continuing dangers of racism, anti-semitism and all forms of discrimination.
Holocaust Memorial Day Statement of Commitment
- We recognise that the Holocaust shook the foundations of modern civilisation. Its unprecedented character and horror will always hold universal meaning.
- We believe the Holocaust must have a permanent place in our nation's collective memory. We honour the survivors still with us, and reaffirm our shared goals of mutual understanding and justice.
- We must make sure that future generations understand the causes of the Holocaust and reflect upon its consequences. We vow to remember the victims of Nazi persecution and of all genocide.
- We value the sacrifices of those who have risked their lives to protect or rescue victims, as a touchstone of the human capacity for good in the face of evil.
- We recognise that humanity is still scarred by the belief that race, religion, disability or sexuality make some people's lives worth less than others'. Genocide, antisemitism, racism, xenophobia and discrimination still continue. We have a shared responsibility to fight these evils.
- We pledge to strengthen our efforts to promote education and research about the Holocaust and other genocide. We will do our utmost to make sure that the lessons of such events are fully learnt.
- We will continue to encourage Holocaust remembrance by holding an annual UK Holocaust Memorial Day. We condemn the evils of prejudice, discrimination and racism. We value a free, tolerant, and democratic society.
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