THE streets stood still today to remember those who lost their lives in the Holocaust..

Silence fell across the town centre as crowds gathered at the cenotaph to pay their respects for Holocaust Memorial Day.

The poignant commemoration service marked the day when the Auschwitz concentration camps were liberated in 1945.

The event was organised by Matt Holland, who said by looking back at atrocities such as the Holocaust, lessons can be learned for the future.

He said:“We should see it as an honour, it is an honour to remember those, who endured hardship and lost their lives and those who still suffer prejudice and persecution, we think of them now.

“We are here standing together now to remember the people who died in the Holocaust but also other genocides that have taken place across the world

“We must make a stand against persecution for the world and also for our life here in Swindon.”

The theme for this year’s event was, ‘How can life go on’.

Matt read a haunting quote from Holocaust survivor and writer Elie Wiesel:

“For the survivors death is not a problem. Death was an everyday occurrence and we learnt to live with death. The problem is to adjust to life, to living. You must teach us about living.”

Mayor of Swindon Eric Shaw laid a wreath before pupils from St Joseph’s Catholic College took part in a Polish tradition to show respect and love by laying three stones.

More than six million Jewish people were murdered in gas chambers, or died from cruel medical experimentation in the Holocaust.

Marilyn Rowland from Shaw had a personal reason for paying her respects at the cenotaph.

“I’m from a Jewish family and it has always been a constant for me. I’m always very pleased to get news of a local initiative to support remembrance so that people can be aware of the reality of the Holocaust. I know I will be emotional today.”

Lewis Jones, from Shaw said his experience of meeting a Holocaust survivor opened his eyes to the reality of the genocide

“I remember working in North-West London where there was a large Jewish community and I got the biggest shock when a woman went to shake my hand and there was the tattooed number on her arm.

“People are still being massacred and treating people differently because of colour, faith, religion, this cannot be allowed to continue.

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland added:

“I am glad to be here again this year. Holocaust Memorial Day has become a crucial and important part of our community because is vital to remember, not only the Holocaust but genocides In the present day

The service was followed by a gathering for readings and reflection at the Friends Meeting House, Eastcott Hill,