Where were Arun and Bognor on Holocaust Memorial Day?

January 27th, the date of the liberation of Ausschwitz Death Camp by Soviet troops in 1945, has been adopted globally as day when we ought to remember not on the victims of this horrendous crime against humanity, but also the lessons about hate, intolerance and indifference.

The event was marked in Chichester, also by schools and Sussex Police.  Yet nothing at all from our councils - Arun, Bognor Town and the parish councils.

Why is there this indifference in this area?   When I was Town Mayor some years back, I arranged that the event be marked by a simple ceremony by the Town Council.  I did not anticipate the distinct undertow of polite hostility this evinced, even from people I would have thought would have wanted to see this.

It was very much "well it is not very nice and it was a long time ago", as if we have not had all too recent reminders from around the world, some in Europe, close enough to home, that it can happen again.

Our Town Council and Mayor need to set a better example.   Lighting candles, making a few words, and standing silent, is that so demanding and expensive, Arun, Bognor, Aldwicj, Bersted, Felpham, Middleton, Pagham.....

This date in the calendar is certainly as profound and important as Armistice Sunday, so next year, do your Civic Duty and ensure Holocaust Memorial Day is marked suitably.

Politicians need to lead, not lag behind.