DECISION TO ATTEND EITHER SERVICE IS A PERSONAL CHOICE
Decision to attend either service is a 'personal choice'
The chairman and chief executive of Omagh District Council met with representatives of Omagh Support and Self Help Group on Tuesday to update them on the arrangements for the 10th anniversary commemorative ceremony.
A joint statement issued by the groups called the meeting 'constructive' and addressed 'recent negative comments and incidents'.
As a result, it has been said, both parties agreed that these were regrettable and detracted from the dignity of the 10th anniversary commemoration.
"The 10th anniversary of the Omagh bomb will be marked on Friday, August 15, 2008, at 3pm by a civic-led commemorative ceremony, which will also include the dedication of the 'Garden of Light' memorial.
"This ceremony is the delivery of an agreement made following the fifth anniversary that Omagh District Council would, once again, organise a significant commemoration event to mark the milestone 10th anniversary.
"This civic-led event is aimed at providing an opportunity for the community as a whole to come together in reflection and remembrance. Our aim for the commemoration is encapsulated in the words of Rev Dr John Dunlop when he hoped that "on the 10th anniversary of the bomb when the memorial is dedicated, all the people of Omagh will stand together and the memorial itself and the unity, faith and hope of the people will be the most eloquent, powerful and enduring response to those who planted the bomb.
"In addition to Friday's event, Omagh Support and Self Help Group will continue the tradition developed since the fifth anniversary by holding a memorial service on the Sunday falling closest to the anniversary. This year that event will take place on Sunday, August 17, 2008 and Omagh District Council has made the memorial garden available to the group for that purpose.
"The chairman of Omagh Support and Self Help Group, Mr Michael Gallagher, has confirmed that he is encouraging people to attend both ceremonies.
"Omagh District Council understands that each anniversary is a particularly difficult and emotional time for families and that the decision to attend either, or both, events is a personal one for each family."
The chairman and chief executive of Omagh District Council met with representatives of Omagh Support and Self Help Group on Tuesday to update them on the arrangements for the 10th anniversary commemorative ceremony.
A joint statement issued by the groups called the meeting 'constructive' and addressed 'recent negative comments and incidents'.
As a result, it has been said, both parties agreed that these were regrettable and detracted from the dignity of the 10th anniversary commemoration.
"The 10th anniversary of the Omagh bomb will be marked on Friday, August 15, 2008, at 3pm by a civic-led commemorative ceremony, which will also include the dedication of the 'Garden of Light' memorial.
"This ceremony is the delivery of an agreement made following the fifth anniversary that Omagh District Council would, once again, organise a significant commemoration event to mark the milestone 10th anniversary.
"This civic-led event is aimed at providing an opportunity for the community as a whole to come together in reflection and remembrance. Our aim for the commemoration is encapsulated in the words of Rev Dr John Dunlop when he hoped that "on the 10th anniversary of the bomb when the memorial is dedicated, all the people of Omagh will stand together and the memorial itself and the unity, faith and hope of the people will be the most eloquent, powerful and enduring response to those who planted the bomb.
"In addition to Friday's event, Omagh Support and Self Help Group will continue the tradition developed since the fifth anniversary by holding a memorial service on the Sunday falling closest to the anniversary. This year that event will take place on Sunday, August 17, 2008 and Omagh District Council has made the memorial garden available to the group for that purpose.
"The chairman of Omagh Support and Self Help Group, Mr Michael Gallagher, has confirmed that he is encouraging people to attend both ceremonies.
"Omagh District Council understands that each anniversary is a particularly difficult and emotional time for families and that the decision to attend either, or both, events is a personal one for each family."
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC10An/09
Published Date: 14-Aug-08
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