CIVIC leaders in the Wee County today marked Holocaust Memorial Day in a bid to learn from the past and create a better future.

Provost Donald Balsillie was joined by his predecessor Tina Murphy, chair of Wee County Veterans, to remember victims of all genocides since Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated on January 27, 78 years ago.

On Friday they created a commemorative display at Clackmannanshire Council's Kilncraigs HQ while the chimney at the Speirs Centre was also lit up in purple as part of Holocaust Memorial Day Trust’s Light the Darkness campaign.

Provost Balsillie said: “Holocaust Memorial Day this year has taken Ordinary People as the theme, which calls on people to not be bystanders to hate crime and prejudice taking place today.

“It is vital that we continue to learn from history and go forward and consider how we, as individuals or as part of a wider society, can play a bigger part than we might imagine in challenging prejudice today.

“In Clackmannanshire, we should take a moment to reflect upon the horrific events which took place 78 years ago and remember that small acts of kindness as well as speaking up when those around us face prejudice or victimisation can go a long way in creating the kind of future we wish to see."

With its theme this year, the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust sought to highlight that genocide is facilitated by ordinary people – those who turn a blind eye, believe propaganda and join murderous regimes.

Ordinary people were involved in all aspects of the Holocaust, Nazi persecution of other groups and in genocides that have since taken place in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

“Ordinary people were perpetrators, bystanders, rescuers, witnesses – and ordinary people were victims,” the trust wrote.

People are invited to light a candle at 4pm today and safely display them in their windows.

Visit hmd.org.ukfor more.