LIKE thousands across mainland Europe, Swindon will wake up today to remember and mourn for the millions who suffered at the hands of the Nazis 70 years ago.

Today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day, and marks the day when Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp was liberated in 1945.

Matt Holland, who co-ordinates the commemoration events in Swindon, said: “For a long time mainland Europe has marked Holocaust Memorial Day, and in 2000, some towns and cities in the UK started to do it, and here in Swindon there were people who wanted to commemorate it.

“And that’s why I organise it, because there are people who want to mark the occasion.

“We have such a diverse community in Swindon and some people have experienced genocide and persecution in other parts of the world. So, as well as remembering the atrocities that happened in the Holocaust, it’s an opportunity to reflect on genocide, persecution and prejudice in the world today.”

Swindon schools are being encouraged to mark it.

Holocaust Memorial Day was first marked nationally and in Swindon in 2001. Local authorities and faith groups have been asked to take a lead in developing local memorial events and appropriate activities.

This year the theme is “Keep the memory alive”, and will begin with a short 20-minute wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial in Regent Circus in Swindon at noon.

This is followed by a gathering for readings and reflection at 12.30pm at the Friends Meeting House in Eastcott Hill. The latter is expected to last an hour, with readings and presentations by members of many of Swindon’s faith groups and community groups, as well as contributions from individuals.

Swindon Borough Council leader David Renard, said: “This event is important because it reminds us of the horrors of the past. It might be easier to forget, but we mustn’t, not just because we should remember the suffering of the victims, but also because we will be less likely to see history repeated.”

The event will also be attended by the Mayor of Swindon, Councillor Teresa Page.

Anyone with appropriate personal stories or readings is welcome to speak or read. Contact Matt Holland at matt@lowershawfarm.co.uk Light lunchtime refreshments, including sandwiches and hot drinks, will be provided.