Havering has marked Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 with a special service.
On Sunday 26 January 2025 in Coronation Gardens, Romford, the Deputy Mayor of Havering, Cllr Sue Ospreay, joined Cllr Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, borough representatives, staff and residents to remember the millions of people killed in genocides across the world.
Holocaust Memorial Day, commemorated nationally on 27 January 2025, remembers the millions of people who have been murdered, or whose lives were changed beyond recognition due to Nazi persecution and other subsequent genocides, such as those in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
This year’s theme for Holocaust Memorial Day is ‘For a better future’.
At the service, the Deputy Mayor of Havering’s speech reflected on the many things we can all do to create a better future.
These include speaking up against Holocaust and genocide denial and distortion, challenge prejudice, and encouraging others to learn about the Holocaust and more recent genocides.
Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp complex, and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia.
Deputy Mayor of Havering, Councillor Sue Ospreay, said:
“The service provides the opportunity for Havering to reflect on those who lost their lives and those who survived the terrible events of the Holocaust and other atrocities.
“Holocaust Memorial Day acts as a reminder to never forget these atrocities and that we all have a part to play to ensure a better future where persecution and division never prevail.”