Holodomor remembrance torch rally comes to Rochdale

Date published: 24/06/2008

A torch rally being held to mark the 75th anniversary of the death of more than seven million people during an enforced famine in Ukraine is to come to Rochdale Town Hall next Tuesday (July 1).

At 10am the torch will be handed over by Ukrainian representatives from Bradford, to the Chairman of the Association of Ukrainians at the Rochdale Branch, Walter Duchak, Oksana Paraszczak – who is a survivor of the Holodomor and Anna Kecyk, Chairman of the Rochdale Friends of Lviv (Rochdale’s twin town in Ukraine).

Anna Kecyk said: “We are absolutely delighted that on the 75th anniversary of the Holodomor that Rochdale will be receiving the torch of remembrance.

“What began in Australia, the torch is half way through its world tour and I hope that as many people from across Rochdale can join us on this poignant occasion, which is part of the ongoing campaign to raise awareness of the Holodomor.”

The ‘Torch of Remembrance’ is travelling the world over through 33 countries, and represents a number of commemorative activities that are being held in 2008 to observe the event which has become known as the ‘Holodomor’ – a famine which was the largest and most secret under Stalin’s regime.

The Mayor Rochdale, Councillor Robin Parker, will speak on behalf of the town in remembrance of the people who lost their lives in Ukraine 75 years ago.

Once the Rochdale tributes draw to a close, the torch will be taken to mark further commemorations across Greater Manchester on the same day.