SCHOOL pupils once again helped mark Holocaust Memorial Day in the district.
The special service of remembrance took place at the Warwick War Memorial on Tuesday (January 27) and this year had the theme “Bridging Generations”.
Children from Westgate Primary, Coten End Primary, Myton, Aylesford and Oakley Schools joined Warwick mayor Coun Jackie D’Arcy, and other civic leaders from the wider area. There was poetry readings by pupils from King’s High, Myton School and Warwick School.
With the day marking the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz in 1945, in-school activities have included discussions with Holocaust survivors, the ‘Lessons from Auschwitz project’ organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust, and talks in assemblies. Secondary school children have been studying the factors leading up to more recent genocides as part of their curriculum.
Organiser Dave Sternberg said: “The theme of Bridging Generations is particularly poignant, emphasising how important it is for younger generations to know about the past and the terrible things that can happen when there is widespread prejudice and discrimination.
“We are proud that this annual Warwick event has such strong support from local schools. It is important that we learn from the awful events of the past, and never forget the Holocaust and other genocides such as those in Rwanda, Bosnia, Cambodia and Darfur. Talking to the younger generations about the horrors of the past and the terrible things humans can do to each other if we are not vigilant, helps to ensure that we will always be respectful and kind to others.”
