The theme of Holocaust Memorial Day this year is ‘Ordinary People’. The day reflects on the Holocaust against the Jews and others in the Second World War – and other acts of genocide since then. It notes that those who perpetrated the atrocities were ordinary people and recognises that other ordinary people stood back and simply watched these things happen while other ordinary people looked to intervene and protect. Finally, though we can place them in the category of victim, it remembers that those caught up in these outrageous were ordinary people too – people like us. This day is also the date that Auschwitz was liberated.
Holocaust Memorial Day is a collaboration between the Devon and Cornwall Police diversity team, the cathedral and other community groups and seeks to educate against behaviours and attitudes that lead to irrational hatred which in turn is a step on the pathway to genocide occurring again.
Community groups who have, in the past, suffered persecution and can face persecution today will have stalls in the cathedral to talk with visitors about their experiences and the need for a wider acceptance of diversity in civilized communities.
The groups and organisations holding stalls are: Cornwall Council, Transparent Presence, Cornwall Faith Forum, Devon and Cornwall Police/Deaf community, Cornwall Pride, Black Voices Cornwall, Falmouth & Exeter Students’ Union, Cornwall People First
Join us at 13:00 for a short service that will mark Holocaust Memorial Day and include speeches from community groups.
Candles are lit by the groups at this service as an act of solidarity with those who have been the victims of genocide and hate.
Speakers
Dean Simon Robinson
Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall
Supt. Jo Arundale
Jeremy Jacobson
Rita Stevens
This service will be live-streamed on this page at 13:00 and the replay will also be available to watch after the service has finished.
Organised by: Devon and Cornwall Police, Truro Cathedral, Kehillat Kernow & Cornwall Faith Forum.
We learn more about the past, we empathise with others today, and we take action for a better future.
Hear more stories from the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust website
