Holocaust Memorial Day: Various Hertfordshire ceremonies held

The international day of remembrance today (January 27) is to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, alongside the millions of people killed under Nazi persecution and subsequent genocides.

In Watford, Mayor Peter Taylor and council chairman Bilqees Mauthoor laid a wreath at the foot of the Anne Frank tree outside Watford Central Library.

They were joined with representatives from Watford Synagogue, Liz Maykels and Carolyn Linton.

The mayor said: “It is so important that on Holocaust Memorial Day we remember those who lost their lives because of hatred and intolerance.

“We will never forget these victims and those who are still needlessly losing their lives because of conflict, hate crimes and persecution.”

In Three Rivers, a flag-raising ceremony took place with Cllr Sarah Nelmes, Cllr Keith Martin, Cllr Steve Cox and other members.

From left to right: Cllr Keith Martin, Cllr Paula Hiscock, Cllr Stephen Cox, Cllr Sarah Nelmes, Cllr Debbie Morris

Cllr Martin said: “Today we remember the millions of people systematically murdered by a vile regime. The victims of the Nazis were not just those so cruelly slaughtered, but their surviving family members. The sheer magnitude of the holocaust makes it difficult to comprehend.”

Reveley Lodge at Bushey Heath planted one of 80 trees this week as part of the 80th anniversary of the Association of Jewish Refugees.

Robert Voss at the tree planting ceremony

The event was attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE, and Hertsmere Mayor Anne Swerling.

Mr. Voss spoke of his own experience as the son of parents who escaped Germany to sanctuary in the UK, but whose grandparents were murdered in Sobibor concentration camp.