17th European Day of Remembrance of Victims of Terrorism
History of European Day of Remembrance of Victims of Terrorism:
The Day was established to commemorate the Madrid bombings of 11 March 2004, the annual Remembrance Day is devoted to remembering all those who lost their lives or loved ones to terror, irrespective of whether those terrorist attacks took place inside the EU or beyond its borders.
The 2004 Madrid attack is part of a long strain of terrorist actions inspired by various extremist ideologies impacting innocent people as victims.
Each year since 2012 an event is held in Parliament Buildings to commemorate the day and remember all lives lost to terrorism across Europe. The event has support from across the political spectrum and participants have always come from diverse backgrounds; victims/survivors of both loyalist and republican terrorism and in recent years we have also had contribute from those impacted by terrorism and from other Nations.
SEFF remarks:
Kenny Donaldson, Director of Services for South East Fermanagh Foundation stated: "We approached a number of Councils directly seeking their support and solidarity for this special day, Derry and Strabane, Causeway, Coast and Glens, Antrim and Newtownabbey and our own local Council; Fermanagh and Omagh District Council have all responded positively, as has St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast. We would take this opportunity to thank all Councils and the Dean and his team at St Anne's Cathedral, in lighting up your buildings this evening you are sending out a positive civic message and we look forward to continued efforts in the months and years ahead around these issues, in how we better honour and acknowledge victims and survivors".
"Earlier today SEFF helped organise a virtual remembrance event facilitated by Jim Allister MLA (and with support from other MLA's across the political spectrum) and with participation from victims and survivors of both loyalist and republican terrorism. Edward O'Neill whose father was murdered in the Dublin bomb carried out by the UVF and who was himself seriously injured, Dr Andrea Nelson who was robbed of both parents through the La Mon attack and Judith Jenkins-Young (widow) and her daughter Sara-Jayne Young who had husband/father stolen from them as a consequence of The Hyde Park bombing. In both these latter incidents the Provisional IRA were responsible".
"SEFF re-asserts its' fundamental principle that all criminal violence was wrong in the context of 'The Troubles,' whether perpetrated by republican or loyalist terrorists or individual members of the security forces. It's this core value that UNITES people and this MUST be enshrined within ALL hearts," concluded Mr Donaldson.
Several buildings across Northern Ireland will be illuminated in red to commemorate the many lives that were lost from 7pm this evening. For those who are not in the area, we will be sharing images over our social media.