Charity Remembers Auschwitz-Birkenau
On Monday 27th January the Ancre Somme Association Charity commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Auschwitz-Birkenau liberation with a lantern parade and night of reflection in Lurgan, Country Armagh.
Eighty lanterns were carried in the parade by local schoolchildren representing various schools. The procession culminated at Brownlow House, where the children viewed a film depicting the experiences of children during the Holocaust.
A commemorative evening of reflection was also held in the Main House, where attendees heard presentations on Auschwitz-Birkenau, with the focus being the children deported there.
ASA Charity Honorary President David Martin commenced the evening of reflection, commemorating the victims of Auschwitz-Birkenau and emphasising the charity's core objectives of education and remembrance.
As the focus for the commemoration was children ASA Charity Community Development Officer, Lexi Davidson, give a presentation on the children of Auschwitz. His presentation focused on two Auschwitz survivors sisters Eva Mozes Kor and Miriam Mozes Zeiger.
Eva and Miriam, identical twins, were deported to Auschwitz in 1944, where they endured horrific medical experimentation under Dr. Josef Mengele. Their liberation occurred on the 27th January 1945. Being identical twins Eva and Miriam were always dressed the same, by their mother. When they arrived at Auschwitz they were both wearing matching red coats. In their memory the lantern parade was led by two identical twins from Lisnadill Primary School, Sophie and Lauren Redpath, both wearing matching red coats.
The evening concluded with remarks from Member of Parliament Carla Lockhart and Deputy Lord Mayor Kyle Savage, who both underscored the importance of remembering those deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau and ensuring future generations receive Holocaust education.
On behalf of the Ancre Somme Association Charity, we extend our sincere gratitude to all who contributed to the success of this evening. Special thanks are due to Alex Kor and Raymond Meade for their generous support, to the schoolchildren who participated in the lantern procession, ASA Education Officer, Greig Savage, to the marshals who ensured the safety of all attendees, to the Brownlow House staff, Gaz Drone Photography, and to Councillor Stephen Moutray for providing refreshments for the children.
Finally, we thank all those who attended and showed their support.
Never Shall We Forget Auschwitz-Birkenau
www.asauk.org
Registered Charity NIC108368
