In pictures: Harwich marks Holocaust Memorial Day 2024

Last Friday, the act of commemoration at the “Safe Haven” Kindertransport memorial on Harwich Quay was accompanied by the illumination of Harwich’s High Lighthouse over the weekend as a “visual act of respect”.

Significant buildings throughout the country were illuminated purple to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day which is usually marked on January, 27 - the date in 1945 when the Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated.

However, the 2024 commemoration took place on Friday January, 26 as January, 27 fell on the Jewish Sabbath.

Important - Mayor Maria offers flowers in remembrance of all the Kindertransport children as well as all those who died in the Holocaust and other global genocides (Image: Steve Brading)

Councillor Garry Calver, who is Harwich Town Council’s lead member for the event, said “The commemoration on Harwich Quay was well attended and greatly appreciated and the illumination of Harwich’s High Lighthouse received a lot of positive support”.

“Harwich Town Council is pleased to have been able to allow the community to come together for this important commemoration.”

The ‘Safe Haven’ Kindertransport memorial on Harwich Quay became the focal point for the Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration with the first such event taking place in 2023.

Harwich Town Council is also grateful to the Harwich Society for its assistance in enabling the High Lighthouse - which is a Harwich Society visitor attraction - to be illuminated.