Remembering the Past: Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 and the Path to a Brighter Tomorrow

Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) is commemorated every year on 27 January to honor the millions who perished during the Holocaust and the genocides that ensued in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur. This date signifies the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, where over a million individuals lost their lives during the Second World War.

This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp complex, as well as the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia.

To honor this day, Dorchester Town Council, Dorset Council, and Kushti Bok have coordinated a complimentary, public gathering on Friday, 24 January at the Corn Exchange in Dorchester from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.

The gathering will feature readings and poetry, including contributions from local educational institutions.

The theme for this year is ‘For a Better Future,’ which conveys solidarity with our communities and a commitment to a brighter future where individuals do not endure prejudice or persecution due to their faith, ethnicity, or other attributes.

The event will ultimately conclude with the lighting of candles and a minute of silence. Complimentary refreshments will be available afterwards. The Corn Exchange will open from noon to allow participants to view displays and interact with the organizers before the event begins at 12.30pm.

Cllr Stella Jones, Chair of Dorset Council, remarked:

“Holocaust Memorial Day serves as a reminder of all those who endured suffering and death due to their religious convictions or cultural variances. It presents an opportunity for everyone to pause, contemplate, and derive lessons from the past to foster a safer, improved future.

The Holocaust Memorial Day Flag will be flown over County Hall for the day on Monday, 27 January.”

Cllr Robin Potter, The Mayor of Dorchester, stated:

“This event is invariably poignant and remains significant today. It not only allows us to remember those who died during the Holocaust and in later genocides, but it also honors their memory by pledging to confront discrimination and hatred that we must continue to resist today.”

Emma Scott, Community Development Officer at Dorchester Town Council, commented:

“This event has a long-standing tradition that the Town Council has always been proud to support. We particularly value the contributions of children and young people, as it guarantees that the lessons from the past are assimilated and shared to cultivate a better future.”

If you wish to delve deeper into this year’s theme, the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust offers a variety of resources, including life stories, reading group suggestions, poetry, and short films.