King George V College’s (KGV) Modern History Department and Students were among hundreds who attended the Holocaust Memorial, held at Christ Church in Southport on Sunday 25th January. The ceremony marked 70 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp, and remembered those killed in the Holocaust.
The service was organised by Sefton Council, along with Southport’s branch of the Association of Jewish Ex-Service Men and Women, Sefton Unison, KGV College and several other local schools and Colleges.
Since September 2014, Paul Finnigan, KGV’s course leader for Modern History, has been involved in organising the Holocaust Memorial Service to raise awareness among future generations and for local people to pay respects. “It is vital to learn from history, and to ensure future generations keep the memory of those who were killed alive,” he said, During World War Two millions were enslaved in concentration camps by the Nazis. These included Jews, Roma (Gypsies) and Soviet prisoners of war, political opponents, prisoners of conscience, and prisoners of war; many more were killed or died in camps as a result of neglect, starvation or disease. “By remembering the events of the Holocaust we can learn lessons that will help us to strive for a community free from prejudice for future generations,” Paul said.
Two KGV College students, Jack Bickerton and Chelsea Wilson, addressed the audience about their recent visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. They said: “It was an experience we will never forget – it gives you a real sense of what went on, and the extent of the Holocaust. “There are thousands of camp relics that each provide their own personal history and are a testament to these times. If you ever visit Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum it will leave a permanent mark on your memory. “It is something that should never be forgotten.”
Submit News Contact us with your community, business or sport news. Phone 07581350321 or 07930717137 Email ots@otsnews.co.uk
Twitter www.twitter.com/onthespot_news
Facebook www.facebook.com/otsnews.co.uk
Instagram www.instagram.com/otsnews
OTS News on Social Media