TREE PLANTING MARKS 'DAY OF REFLECTION' CEREMONY
Tree planting marks 'Day of Reflection' ceremony
Event boycotted by Unionists
by Karen McPhilemy
THE planned 'Day of Reflection' at Omagh's Grange Park on Friday saw about 30 people turning out to pay their respects to those who have died as a result of war and conflict within the council area.
Those present gathered at the bandstand in the park to witness the planting of a tree and the unveiling of a plaque "to honour the memory of all those people from within the district council area who lost their lives as a result of war or conflict, irrespective of their race, religion, or perceived political affiliation".
The event was organised in conjunction with all the other councils in Northern Ireland with a Sinn Fein chairman, and had caused some controversy in recent weeks, with Unionist councillors refusing to take any part in it.
Chief executive of Omagh District Council, Mr Danny McSorley, welcomed those in attendance to the event, before handing over proceedings to the council chairman, Mr Sean Clarke.
Commenting on the ceremony, Mr Clarke said that while he appreciated that many people saw him as being representative of only one side of the community, the day of reflection was intended to focus on the suffering of anyone whose life has been affected by war and conflict, and, in particular, those who have lost loved ones.
"In remembering together the events of the past, we hope to prevent them from occurring again in the future," he added.
Mr Clarke went on to say he hoped that the Day of Reflection would go on to become an annual event, to be upheld by future chairmen of Omagh District Council.
Following this, Mr Clarke invited the crowd to witness the planting of a tree as a living reminder of all those who had died, and he also unveiled a small plaque, which read: "In memory of all those who have lost their lives as a result of wars or conflicts in and from this council area."
Afterwards, three members of the community, Mrs Mary Coyle, of the Omagh Forum of Rural Associations, Mr Ricky Dunn, and Mr Rustam Jamshidi, representing the Baha'i community, gave readings, and a minute's silence was observed.
Mr Clarke then thanked the readers, as well as Mr Ray Moore, who provided the music for the event, before inviting all those present to come to the council chamber for some refreshments.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Clarke said: "I was happy with how it went, the first year was always going to be difficult, but it's something we can hopefully build on in the future. I would like to thank the SDLP and the Independent representatives, as well as the community representatives, who supported the event. Hopefully the Unionist councillors will come on board next year."
Event boycotted by Unionists
by Karen McPhilemy
THE planned 'Day of Reflection' at Omagh's Grange Park on Friday saw about 30 people turning out to pay their respects to those who have died as a result of war and conflict within the council area.
Those present gathered at the bandstand in the park to witness the planting of a tree and the unveiling of a plaque "to honour the memory of all those people from within the district council area who lost their lives as a result of war or conflict, irrespective of their race, religion, or perceived political affiliation".
The event was organised in conjunction with all the other councils in Northern Ireland with a Sinn Fein chairman, and had caused some controversy in recent weeks, with Unionist councillors refusing to take any part in it.
Chief executive of Omagh District Council, Mr Danny McSorley, welcomed those in attendance to the event, before handing over proceedings to the council chairman, Mr Sean Clarke.
Commenting on the ceremony, Mr Clarke said that while he appreciated that many people saw him as being representative of only one side of the community, the day of reflection was intended to focus on the suffering of anyone whose life has been affected by war and conflict, and, in particular, those who have lost loved ones.
"In remembering together the events of the past, we hope to prevent them from occurring again in the future," he added.
Mr Clarke went on to say he hoped that the Day of Reflection would go on to become an annual event, to be upheld by future chairmen of Omagh District Council.
Following this, Mr Clarke invited the crowd to witness the planting of a tree as a living reminder of all those who had died, and he also unveiled a small plaque, which read: "In memory of all those who have lost their lives as a result of wars or conflicts in and from this council area."
Afterwards, three members of the community, Mrs Mary Coyle, of the Omagh Forum of Rural Associations, Mr Ricky Dunn, and Mr Rustam Jamshidi, representing the Baha'i community, gave readings, and a minute's silence was observed.
Mr Clarke then thanked the readers, as well as Mr Ray Moore, who provided the music for the event, before inviting all those present to come to the council chamber for some refreshments.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Clarke said: "I was happy with how it went, the first year was always going to be difficult, but it's something we can hopefully build on in the future. I would like to thank the SDLP and the Independent representatives, as well as the community representatives, who supported the event. Hopefully the Unionist councillors will come on board next year."
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1774
Published Date: 16-Dec-04
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