Thurrock came together for Holocaust Memorial Day on Monday 27 January, with a special service taking place at Herbert E. Brooks Memorial Rest Garden, Grays. The service was a moment to remember the six million Jewish men, woman and children murdered during the Holocaust, other victims of the Nazis, and all those who suffered the horrors of subsequent genocides.
80 years on from Auschwitz-Birkenau's liberation, Thurrock's communities came together in unity, as part of a commitment to condemn the evils of prejudice, discrimination and racism. This year is also the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This year's theme, 'For a better future', was reflected in speeches by Cllr Kairen Raper, Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Valerie-Morris Cook, Cabinet Member for Community Partnerships and Cllr Qaisar Abbas, Shadow Cabinet Member for Community Partnerships.
The service was led by Father Anthony Cho and supported by students from Grays Convent High School, William Edwards School, Little Thurrock Primary School and Woodside Academy who read poems and prayers at the moving service.
Cllr Valerie-Morris Cook said: "Holocaust Memorial Day is a time for reflection, remembrance, and a renewed commitment to standing against hatred in all its forms.
"I was proud to see so many people come together and join us at Herbert E. Brooks Memorial Rest Garden to mark the 80 years that have passed since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and to honour the memory of the six million Jewish people and countless others who suffered unimaginable horrors. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Bosnian genocide, and we stand in solidarity with the Bosnian community as we remember all those who have suffered as a result of hatred and intolerance."
"By coming together as a community, we reaffirm our dedication to building a future free from prejudice and discrimination."
