23-06-2010, 10:19 PM
1
25 years ago
demi godGroup: Members
Posts: 594
Member No.: 17
Joined: 12-July 09
25 years ago today, at 8.13am, an Air India flight en route from Toronto to Bombay was blown up by terrorists while approaching the southwest coast of Ireland, killing all 331 on board. Most were of Indian origin but Canadian citizens. Debris and body parts washed up on the shores of Dunmanus Bay, where I now live.
The families of the victims came here to grieve, and the local Irish population took care of them and opened their homes and hearts to them. Many friendships were forged, and these blossomed over the years as the families returned again and again. A memorial was built on a small local promontory from which one can look straight out to the Atlantic where the atrocity occurred. It is a simple and remote place, offering an ideal spot for quiet contemplation. Year after year, a memorial service has been held here.
Today, at 8.10am, I joined those families of the victims and local friends for the memorial service on the promontory, a moving tribute to this unexpected meeting of cultures which will be part of this place forever. And only today, 25 years on, has the Canadian government taken some responsibility for it's failure to act to prevent the carnage, and apologised to those families. It seems that there were indeed some warnings, but no action was taken.
What I will remember most about today is the dignity with which the parents who lost both their children spoke, the tears of a man who lost his wife and baby daughter, and the lasting relationships which have formed between local people and the victims' families. Their pain has truly been shared, and hopefully eased, by the natural kindness and compassion of people here.
RIP all the victims, and may all those here who have helped their families be truly blessed for their generosity and compassion.
|
|
