Holocaust Memorial Day

Posted By: Robin Parker
Date Posted: 27/01/2008

(As I was about to post this I saw that Ann Metcalfe had come in before me, so there is an element of duplication. But the fact that we have both decided to post says something.)

A Holocaust Memorial Stone stands in each township. Each year a Holocaust Memorial Service takes place in rotation. This year it was the turn of Pennines and so today we went to Littleborough.

We met in the Coach House and at two o’clock we went across to the cenotaph gardens where the Mayor rededicated the Stone. We then returned to the Coach House for a Memorial Service. Words attributed to Pastor Niemoeller were read:

First they came for the communists and I did not speak out because I was not a communist
Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me

This was followed by an address ‘Miriam’s story’ by David Arnold of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and the Region. It was a moving story of a Jewish German girl who entered her teens during the Nazi regime but who managed to emigrate and come to Britain before the war started. Her family that remained had their lives terminated at Dachau. Near the end of the address David revealed that she was in fact his mother. He concluded by saying that there was only one race, the human race.

There was then a Statement of Commitment from representatives of the three parties, Paul Rowen for the Liberal Democrats, Allen Brett for Labour and Ann Metcalfe for the Conservatives. The Mayor then read the Holocaust Prayer and we held a minute’s silence. Young people sang two songs and the Music Service Brass Band played ‘The World in Union’. Peter Evans as Mayor then concluded the service with some strong words from the heart regarding learning from the past towards the future.

So far, this has been narrative without invective but that is about to change. There was a good turnout from members of the public including two former Mayors; the turnout from present day councillors was an utter disgrace. The only councillors in the audience to hear the Statement of Commitment on our behalf were myself and Susan Emmott. Not one local member of the Pennines Township turned out to support the Mayor.

I have to say that I put this service up there with Remembrance Sunday and, co-incidentally, the 27th this time was on a Sunday. Yes, I know many of us have a relaxing Sunday routine. I changed mine and also sacrificed United kicking off at 2.00pm. I’m glad I did. A harsh reality has once again been put before me and given me serious food for thought. Those who did not attend missed out.