Holocaust Memorial Day at the NMA

20 January 2010

On Wednesday 27 January, Holocaust Memorial Day will be commemorated at the National Memorial Arboretum with the theme of 'The Legacy of Hope'. This year it features a special exhibition by local photographers.

Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) is commemorated internationally on 27 January each year. This date was chosen as it is the anniversary of the day in 1945 on which the Soviet Army liberated the largest Nazi concentration camp – Auschwitz-Birkenau.

At the Arboretum, which is supported by The Royal British Legion, from Sunday 24 January until Saturday 13 February, an exhibition of photographs 'Auschwitz-Birkenau – 65 Years On' commemorating the 65th anniversary of the liberation of the camps, will be on display.

The images, to be displayed in the Long Gallery, were taken by Lichfield photographers Robert Yardley and John Crowe during a visit to the camps in October 2009.

"The Arboretum's wonderful memorials have given the site national importance and it has become a true focal point for remembrance," said Lynne Barkas, events officer. "It is therefore a wonderfully fitting and moving place in which to remember victims of the Holocaust."

Visitors for to the Holocaust exhibition can take the opportunity to visit the tree dedicated to diarist Anne Frank, who died in the Bergen-Belsen camp aged 15. Symbolising the taking of a young life, her haunting tree at the Arboretum has its blossoms removed before they bloom.

The official opening of the 'Auschwitz-Birkenau – 65 Years On' exhibition by former Lord Mayor of Birmingham and NMA Appeal Council member, Sir Bernard Zissman, is at 2.00pm on Sunday 24 January 2010. Admission to the exhibition is free, but donations are appreciated.

The Arboretum is open every day from 9am to 5pm (or dusk if earlier). Entry is free.