The UK Holocaust Centre, home of the Aegis Trust for genocide prevention, staged a unique candle-lit vigil to mark the UK's national Holocaust Memorial Day 2008. Over 1500 candles were set out in a 1,000-square-metre space spelling out the words ‘remember, reflect, react’ – the 2008 theme for the Day – alongside a giant version of the Holocaust Centre’s ‘flame of memory’.

Australian Jorge Pujol (from the arts group ‘Art for Earth’) designed the work, and was assisted in its execution by around 30 volunteers. “Jorge is the world’s leading artist in this field, and we were thrilled to have him with us,” says Centre Director Dr Stephen Smith.

Holocaust Centre co-founder Marina Smith lit the first candle, followed by regular survivor speakers Bob Norton and Bernard Grunberg, along with Beatha Uwazaninka from Rwanda and Darfuris including Abdul Jabar Adam and Khatir Mohammed from the Darfur Union executive. They were accompanied by Home Office Minister and local MP Vernon Coaker, Cllr Sylvia Michael, Chair of Newark and Sherwood District Council, and local students, including members of Aegis Societies in Nottingham and Derby. Pupils from West Bridgford School in Nottingham also took part.

A more detailed report and photos can be found here: aegistrust.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=719&Itemid=88