On Saturday the 27th January, the day was marked as "Holocaust Memorial Day," in the UK. Holocaust Memorial Day has taken place in the UK since 2001, with almost 8000 local events and activities taking place each year. The power of words is the theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2018.

Holocaust Memorial Day was initially enforced in 2001, to recognise the mass murder of six million Jews and millions of other people leading up to, and during, World War 2. Holocaust Memorial Day also hopes to ensure worldwide respect for all victims of Nazi persecution. It is very important to raise awareness and understanding of the events of the Holocaust. The main aim of Holocaust Memorial Day is to ensure that the horrendous crimes, racism and victimisation committed during the Holocaust are neither forgotten or repeated.

We should never forget the Holocaust. These people’s lives were robbed by this horrible occurrence. These people suffered and much of their suffering has not been documented. These lives would otherwise go on forgotten by history. Holocaust Memorial Day allows us to honor and remember  the families that were murdered and the children who never got a chance in life.

While speaking to friends on Holocaust Memorial day I was told, "Just thinking about the holocaust and all the lives that were lost is deeply upsetting. I believe everyone should be taught or educate themselves upon the subject as it is such a horrific event that the current population need to understand."

Marking the day makes sure the Holocaust is not forgotten and can help to stop anything like it ever happening again. I believe Holocaust Memorial Day is very important, and should continue to be enforced, so it can continue to make the difference.

Alisha Howard, Farringtons School