I was recently very fortunate to attend a Holocaust Memorial Day event at Sutton Library. The headmaster of Sutton Grammar, Mr Cloves, felt it was important for students to gain real life experiences and to enrich our knowledge beyond the classroom. The event, intended to deepen our understanding of history, unfolded with a quiet solemnity that left a lasting impression on me. Several other schools from the local community attended the event, including Sutton Grammar. The event organizers believed it was important to educate young people in order to broaden their understanding of such events. They also felt it was important to learn about modern day genocides and global issues around the world. The first-hand accounts from Ukrainian, Afghan, and Tamil refugees who attended added a layer of authenticity to the historical narratives we had studied in classrooms.  Their stories of resilience and survival helped connect the knowledge we gained in school with the real-life experiences of those who lived through those times. In the solemn setting of the memorial, the first-hand accounts from these remarkable individuals brought a tangible reality to the life we all live. In a moment of pause, we collectively remembered Mrs. Eve Gill, a centenarian Holocaust survivor who had recently passed away. The longevity of her life was a testament to the strength of her spirit, enduring and prevailing against all odds. Her remarkable story was captured by Sutton Library and recently posted on their YouTube page. The stories that were told that day resonated with the audience, highlighting the shared experiences of suffering that unites humanity. Mrs. Gill's story, along with the speakers' narratives, ignited a sense of purpose within me. This purpose is to promote tolerance and understanding in a world often characterised by division. As the event came to a close, a Jewish prayer echoed through the memorial, bringing a peaceful conclusion. This moment, though subtle, added a touch of solemn reflection. It served as a reminder of the importance of memory, urging us to bear the weight of history responsibly and to stand united against injustice. Returning home, the echoes of those shared moments lingered. The experience has ingrained in me a deeper understanding of history, a heightened empathy for the human condition, and a purpose to fostering solidarity in a world that often needs it the most.