Fred Ayton, a Royal Navy veteran, was an 18-year-old able seaman torpedoman on HMS Sweetbriar during the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944. He was told he was “making history” by taking part in the biggest ever seabourne invasion.
Starting this academic year, schools across Cyprus will commemorate May 19 every year to pay respects to victims of the Pontian Greek genocide. The government has recognized the Pontian Genocide and condemned genocides and ethnic cleansing. The education ministry has officially informed schools about the genocide and May 19 will be established as an official day of honor for the victims. The government has also supported the Pontians in acquiring a building for cultural preservation.
Palestinians commemorated the 1948 “Nakba” on Wednesday, marking the time when hundreds of thousands were dispossessed of their homes in the war at the birth of the state of Israel. The Nakba has been a defining experience for Palestinians for more than 75 years, shaping their national identity. This year’s commemoration focused on the plight of around two million Palestinians in Gaza, most living in temporary shelters after being displaced by the Israeli campaign. More than 5.9 million Palestinians are currently registered as refugees in various locations, including refugee camps that have grown into urban townships. Events marking the Nakba anniversary were also held in Ramallah, where a student was killed in a clash with Israeli forces.
The National Addiction Authority in Cyprus is aiming to offer support and shelter to people struggling with addiction and homelessness. The authority’s national strategy between 2021-2028 promotes and supports various harm reduction measures in Cyprus, including treatment programs across the country and prisons. International Harm Reduction Day on May 7 highlights the importance of reducing the risks associated with substance use disorder.
Fact: Dozens of people marched in Nicosia to commemorate Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, also known as “Armenian Martyrs Day”, observed annually on April 24 to commemorate the victims of the Armenian genocide of 1915.
Rwanda’s president led commemorations to mark 30 years since the 1994 genocide that killed over 1 million people.