Cannock Chase to mark Holocaust with annual flame-lighting ceremony

A new flame-lighting ceremony will take place in Cannock Chase to mark Holocaust Memorial Day

Victims of the Holocaust are set to be commemorated at a new annual ceremony in Cannock Chase.

The district council backed plans for a memorial which will involve a flame-lighting ceremony.

It will take place on Holocaust Memorial Day, 27 January, the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp.

Events are held internationally to remember the millions of people who were persecuted under the Nazi regime.

At this month's full council meeting, councillor Paris Theodorou called on the authority to formally mark the day each year.

Councillors backed the proposal unanimously and, after the decision, held a minute's silence in memory of all who lost their lives in the Holocaust.

Councillor Theodorou said: "Holocaust Memorial Day serves as a reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust, during which approximately six million Jews, along with other minority groups, were systematically persecuted and murdered."

He added: "In recognition of Holocaust Memorial Day, I propose that council agrees to light a flame located within Cannock Chase in memory of the lives lost, beginning on 27 January 2024 and each year thereafter.

"In addition to this, I ask that council consider extending an invitation to our local community, including members of the Jewish community and other associated groups, to participate in a memorial service during the flame-lighting ceremony."

'We must foster inclusivity'

A number of councillors spoke of their experiences of visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau site, which is now a museum and memorial.

Opposition group leader Olivia Lyons said she was moved at the sight of thousands of pairs of abandoned shoes and glasses left at the site.

"The Nazis used antisemitism to oppress and murder an incomprehensible number of people - people just like us - and we must foster inclusivity," she said.

Councillor Andrea Muckley added: "Hatred has no place in this council chamber, in this county or in our communities."