DON'T NEED ANOTHER REMINDER OF THAT FATEFUL DAY IN OMAGH
Don't need another reminder of that fateful day in Omagh
"We will remember them,' were the words used by Kenneth Bloomfield, who was given the painful privilege of acknowledging all the victims of violence. An honourable man himself, having escaped an attempted assassination, he encountered the grief, suffering, courage and endurance of a people hurt.
So I do not wish to criticise or take offence with anyone. Nevertheless, I have to represent my own and my family's view of this debate regarding the request for a plaque on the site of that sad say (August 15, 1998) in Omagh.
I have not been presented with this proposal to give my opinion or consent to this "reminder" of that atrocity. I was of the belief that the Garden of Remembrance was a suitably caring honour from the people of the Omagh council area and of a world that wept. I feel that they do not require another reminder of that fateful day.
I have, like many others, my wife's grave in the beautiful parish cemetery of Drumragh and, equally important, I have a lasting memorial in my children and grandchildren of their mom and granny, Libby.
I merely wish to voice my opinion. I do not want to enter into a vexatious political platform, but rather a harmonious future and a quest for truth and justice.
An alternative to this plaque might be an ongoing scholarship open to both traditions in vocational sport or academic pursuits, as a fitting memorial to those who lost their loved ones.
Then there is the engraved brass plaque to be placed in the County Hospital foyer for the staff's courage, caring and humanity in saving so many lives. Without them, the toll would have been greater. So we should honour them.
Lawrence Rush
"We will remember them,' were the words used by Kenneth Bloomfield, who was given the painful privilege of acknowledging all the victims of violence. An honourable man himself, having escaped an attempted assassination, he encountered the grief, suffering, courage and endurance of a people hurt.
So I do not wish to criticise or take offence with anyone. Nevertheless, I have to represent my own and my family's view of this debate regarding the request for a plaque on the site of that sad say (August 15, 1998) in Omagh.
I have not been presented with this proposal to give my opinion or consent to this "reminder" of that atrocity. I was of the belief that the Garden of Remembrance was a suitably caring honour from the people of the Omagh council area and of a world that wept. I feel that they do not require another reminder of that fateful day.
I have, like many others, my wife's grave in the beautiful parish cemetery of Drumragh and, equally important, I have a lasting memorial in my children and grandchildren of their mom and granny, Libby.
I merely wish to voice my opinion. I do not want to enter into a vexatious political platform, but rather a harmonious future and a quest for truth and justice.
An alternative to this plaque might be an ongoing scholarship open to both traditions in vocational sport or academic pursuits, as a fitting memorial to those who lost their loved ones.
Then there is the engraved brass plaque to be placed in the County Hospital foyer for the staff's courage, caring and humanity in saving so many lives. Without them, the toll would have been greater. So we should honour them.
Lawrence Rush
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1874
Published Date: 16-Nov-06
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