Children plant cherry tree to remember Holocaust

Schoolchildren are to plant a memorial tree in Shropshire to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

The youngsters at Whitchurch Junior school are contributing to a remembrance orchard of cherry trees planted across the county.

The ceremony on Tuesday will also involve interfaith forums, councillors and the local mayor.

In addition, the children are creating an artwork made from their combined handprints to depict a flame, with the names of family members written in to represent this year's theme of "bridging generations".

Holocaust Memorial Day takes place annually on 27 January to remember the millions murdered under Nazi persecution and in later genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

A national moment of remembrance will take place at 20:00 GMT on the day, with people placing lit candles in their windows.

Shropshire councillor Andy Hall, portfolio holder for children and education, said it was important to teach primary school children about the atrocities in an "age-appropriate and memorable" way.

"Children have enjoyed being part of this and have shown a great understanding when planting the trees as to their meaning and importance," he said.

Whitchurch Town Council donated this particular tree, he added, which would be the 21st in the county orchard.

Mayor of Whitchurch Rose Hall said the tree both added to the authority's environmental commitments and served as "a reminder of times which should never be repeated".

The county orchard features flowering cherry trees native to the West Midlands, with a different primary school selected to plant one there each year.

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