Remembering the past to protect the future: Kettering unites for Holocaust Memorial Day
Mayor highlights importance of unity and reflection for genocide victims worldwide
A Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony is taking place in Kettering today to commemorate victims of genocide throughout history and highlight the importance of inclusivity and unity within the town’s community.
The Holocaust which took place between 1933 and 1945, saw six million European Jews systematically persecuted and murdered by Nazi Germany and its allies.
Organisers of the ceremony describe it as ''a short, non-denominational service of remembrance for victims of genocide worldwide including current conflicts.''
While the event remembers those lost during the Holocaust, Mayor of Kettering, Councillor Ben Jameson, said that it also provides an opportunity to reflect on victims of other genocides, such as those in Bosnia, Rwanda, Cambodia, and more recently in Palestine.
Mayor Jameson, who is hosting today's ceremony, said:
''Holocaust Memorial Day is a unifying experience because as much as the Holocaust was a horrific act which occurred primarily against Jewish people, it also occurred against disabled people, gay people, also happened against lots of people who didn't fit the Nazi regime.
''Genocides happen to all sorts of people in lots of countries if you're the wrong religion or the wrong class – if we look at say Palestine, obviously there's occupied territories which have unfortunately been indiscriminately bombed. Genocides can happen to anyone if you're not in the favour of a ruling party or of a of a dangerous multi-military type government.''
Speeches from local leaders, including a student from Latimer Arts College, will accompany the ceremonial raising of the Holocaust Memorial Day flag and the laying of pebbles as an act of remembrance.
''This is a moment where we have to recognise we're all human.''
The Mayor stressed the importance of the day as a way to recognise shared humanity and to help protect communities from history repeating itself.
“These atrocities have occurred all over the world, including in communities not dissimilar to Kettering. We need to make sure that as a local town we are working together, we recognise each other and I think Kettering has a fantastic community.''
He added: “It’s not just about remembering the victims of the Holocaust, but also other atrocities across the world.''
Members of the public are invited to take part in the event in Kettering’s Manor House Gardens at 2:00 PM. For more information about the event visit the Kettering Town Council's website
For more information and support visit the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust's website