Today nations together shared moments of reflection. On the end of a war, freedom from oppression and the start of a new Europe. I would like to share some thoughts with you as I found it useful to consider a sense of perspective at this time.
At present many of us have our freedom of movement curtailed by a lockdown due to the Corona virus outbreak. In that respect we are again united by a common purpose. But as an inconvenience it pales into insignificance compared to events 75 years ago.
Earlier this year the RPS embarked on a joint project to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the Holocaust. Initial portraits of survivors and their families were taken by RPS Patron, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge, RPS Honorary Fellow Jillian Edelstein and member Frederic Aranda. However, like many other projects this is currently on hold, if for no other reason to protect the remaining survivors.
I am too young to have witnessed any of these events. But together with my immediate family in 2014 I made a visit to the Sachsenhausen memorial. I studied those pictures again today and it brought to me a sense of perspective on the meaning and magnitude of the present lockdown.
To the whole RPS community on this day I wish you safety, peace, and good health.