 | | Candles will be lit in rememberance |
The 27th January marks the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the former Nazi extermination camp. Birmingham's commemoration on the following Sunday, offers the opportunity to remember those who suffered and died during the Holocaust, as well as those still living with its consequences, and to reflect on the contemporary lessons to be learned. This year's national theme is "Survivors and Liberators". Councillor John Alden , Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture says,"The ceremony to which all are welcome, gives Birmingham people the chance to come together and remember the victims of Holocaust and their liberators and all those who have suffered terror and persecution." Honouring survivors, remembering the dead... The ceremony will include a reading of the Statement of Commitment, which honours the survivors and remembers the dead, led by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Mike Nangle; Councillor Mike Whitby leader of the Council will invite three guests to light three symbolic candles. There will be a short film and readings about Survivors and Liberators, plus Memorial Prayers led by Rabbi Tann. The public will be invited to light candles on arrival. 'Menorah' Birmingham City Council's Library Service has commissioned a poem that deals with the significance of the Holocaust, as part of the commemorations for Birmingham's fifth Holocaust Memorial Day. Birmingham's Poet Laureate Don Barnard will read the poem sequence entitled 'Menorah' at the Holocaust Memorial Day service on Sunday 30 January. Birmingham's Holocaust Memorial Day will be held in the International Convention Centre, Symphony Hall Foyer from 1.30pm ? 3pm on Sunday 30 January more information can be found on www.birmingham.gov.uk or www.holocaustmemorialday.gov.uk. All are welcome. | 
