OMAGH'S TRIBUTE TO ALL VICTIMS OF CONFLICT
Omagh's tribute to all victims of conflict
By Michael McHugh
A DAY of remembrance is being held in Omagh this week to mark the deaths of all local people who lost their lives during war and conflict.
A plaque will be unveiled and tree planted in Grange Park this Friday as part of efforts to unite both communities.
The chairman of Omagh District Council, Sean Clarke from Sinn Fein, who is organising the ceremony, says a number of victims groups from the surrounding area have been invited to attend.
Mr Clarke said he hoped the event would help to bring all victims together in a collective public day of reflection.
"This event is being convened in order to afford all sections of the community the opportunity to participate in an inclusive act of remembrance," he said.
"I do hope that we can unite as a community and publicly pay our respects. There will be a few short readings and local musicians will sing an appropriate song.
"It goes right the way back to the world wars and an invitation has been sent to all groups in the area and we hope a lot of people will attend."
Other council areas organising similar events include Derry City and Strabane.
"It is about remembering all those who died, everybody has their own tragedy to remember but nobody will remember all the victims who died and I hope this can help to bring people together," Mr Clarke added.
Michael Gallagher from the Omagh Self-Help Group, which represents those who lost loved ones in the 1998 Omagh bomb, said the organisation had been invited to the event but had decided not to participate.
"It is something which does not sit well with what we are doing," he said.
By Michael McHugh
A DAY of remembrance is being held in Omagh this week to mark the deaths of all local people who lost their lives during war and conflict.
A plaque will be unveiled and tree planted in Grange Park this Friday as part of efforts to unite both communities.
The chairman of Omagh District Council, Sean Clarke from Sinn Fein, who is organising the ceremony, says a number of victims groups from the surrounding area have been invited to attend.
Mr Clarke said he hoped the event would help to bring all victims together in a collective public day of reflection.
"This event is being convened in order to afford all sections of the community the opportunity to participate in an inclusive act of remembrance," he said.
"I do hope that we can unite as a community and publicly pay our respects. There will be a few short readings and local musicians will sing an appropriate song.
"It goes right the way back to the world wars and an invitation has been sent to all groups in the area and we hope a lot of people will attend."
Other council areas organising similar events include Derry City and Strabane.
"It is about remembering all those who died, everybody has their own tragedy to remember but nobody will remember all the victims who died and I hope this can help to bring people together," Mr Clarke added.
Michael Gallagher from the Omagh Self-Help Group, which represents those who lost loved ones in the 1998 Omagh bomb, said the organisation had been invited to the event but had decided not to participate.
"It is something which does not sit well with what we are doing," he said.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0947
Published Date: 08-Dec-04
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