Holocaust Memorial Day services took place across Southend and Rochford.
Rochford Council held theirs event next to their specially commissioned memorial to victims of persecution, outside the Mill Arts and Events Centre, Rayleigh, with a memorial service conducted by The Revd Canon Mike Lodge, Chaplain to the Chairman of Rochford District Council.
Following the service, there was a moving talk by Holocaust survivor Leslie Kleinman.
In Southend, the Worshipful Mayor Councillor Judith McMahon lead a tree planting ceremony in memory of those who have perished in genocides. The ceremony took place in Southchurch Hall Gardens, Park Lane.
Southend Councillor Andrew Moring said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is a significant nationally recognised day on which we pay tribute and remember loved ones lost and their families who have suffered in genocides throughout the world.
“To do our utmost to prevent such things ever happening again, it is fundamental that we remember and offer everyone the opportunity to learn and understand the horrifying consequences of the Holocaust and other genocides.”
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