CITY STOPS TO SAY SILENT PRAYER FOR DEAD
City stops to say silent prayer for dead
By Kathryn Torney
Tears streamed down the faces of grown men and mothers clung to their children during a silent vigil for the victims of the Omagh tragedy.
One man dropped to his knees among the crowd of several thousand people who gathered at Belfast City Hall yesterday.
A dignified silence fell as the names of the 28 people who died in the Omagh blast, aged between 18 months and 65-years-old, were read out.
Traffic came to a standstill in the city centreduring the poignant 15-minute tribute organised by Belfast City Council.
Only the sound of the distant traffic ant the hum of shoppers broke the minutes of silence which were held in between readings and prayers for the dead and injured.
Lord Mayor councillor David Alderdice said: "We are here in Belfast to remember the bereaved and all those who are suffering as a result of the Omagh Tragedy.
"This is a time to stand and reflect. This is a time for prayers, not for speeches."
Following a scripture reading, the names of the deceased were read out slowly to an emotional crowd, many standing with eyes closed and heads bowed.
A Big Issues seller dropped to his knees with his hands clasped in front of him and tears in his eyes.
Men clung to their wives, mothers hugged their children and others sobbed or stood in a stunned silence as they all reflected on the tragedy that befell Omagh.
Following the vigil a long queue to sign the book of condolence formed at the entrance to the City Hall.
Sylvia Frew attend the vigil with her five-year-old daughter.
"I came to the vigil because I have a child of my own," she said, "It's better than doing nothing.
"The people of Omagh were so unlucky because we all know that bomb could have been anywhere in Northern Ireland."
Connie Buckley said she wanted to attend because she felt so helpless.
"This has affected everyone and everyone wants to express their feelings but we don't know how. So this was a good idea," she said.
By Kathryn Torney
Tears streamed down the faces of grown men and mothers clung to their children during a silent vigil for the victims of the Omagh tragedy.
One man dropped to his knees among the crowd of several thousand people who gathered at Belfast City Hall yesterday.
A dignified silence fell as the names of the 28 people who died in the Omagh blast, aged between 18 months and 65-years-old, were read out.
Traffic came to a standstill in the city centreduring the poignant 15-minute tribute organised by Belfast City Council.
Only the sound of the distant traffic ant the hum of shoppers broke the minutes of silence which were held in between readings and prayers for the dead and injured.
Lord Mayor councillor David Alderdice said: "We are here in Belfast to remember the bereaved and all those who are suffering as a result of the Omagh Tragedy.
"This is a time to stand and reflect. This is a time for prayers, not for speeches."
Following a scripture reading, the names of the deceased were read out slowly to an emotional crowd, many standing with eyes closed and heads bowed.
A Big Issues seller dropped to his knees with his hands clasped in front of him and tears in his eyes.
Men clung to their wives, mothers hugged their children and others sobbed or stood in a stunned silence as they all reflected on the tragedy that befell Omagh.
Following the vigil a long queue to sign the book of condolence formed at the entrance to the City Hall.
Sylvia Frew attend the vigil with her five-year-old daughter.
"I came to the vigil because I have a child of my own," she said, "It's better than doing nothing.
"The people of Omagh were so unlucky because we all know that bomb could have been anywhere in Northern Ireland."
Connie Buckley said she wanted to attend because she felt so helpless.
"This has affected everyone and everyone wants to express their feelings but we don't know how. So this was a good idea," she said.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0095
Published Date: 19-Aug-98
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