Executive Mayor of Mansfield Andy Abrahams today marked Holocaust Memorial Day at the Civic Centre.
The Mayor, joined by members of the Corporate Leadership at the council, and other members of staff, lit a candle and read a poem.
Mayor Andy said: "This year’s memorial day on focuses on the part ordinary people play in acts of genocide.
"Of course, it is ordinary people who are nearly always the victims, but genocide can also only happen if it is facilitated by ordinary people, whether knowingly or unknowingly.
"This annual act of collective remembrance reminds us that being a victim of genocide could happen to anyone.
"It also allows us to question the idea of turning a blind eye, believing propaganda or obeying orders, which allow genocides occur, and it demonstrates why it is important to challenge prejudice or hate speech, here and now, rather than being complicit as silent passive observers."
The national day is organised annually on 27 January by the government-funded charity, the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, recognises the Second World War holocaust and other genocides that have taken place since then, including Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.