Anti-War activists to stage 'Alternative Remembrance' event in Derry this weekend

Anti-War activists in Derry plan to stage an alternative remembrance commemoration in Guildhall Square on the 11th of November from 10:30am and a minute's silence for all victims of war will be held at 11am.

Organiser Davy McAuley explained why the Derry Anti-War Coalition and the local Refugee Solidarity Group were staging the event.

" We are appalled at the endless cycle of violence and war. The foreign policy of the major powers continues to result in death and destruction- where once it was Flanders Fields it is now across the Middle East," he said.

"We wish to openly condemn the wars being waged in our name and to reflect on the inconceivable hurt delivered to the victims.

"The event is the culmination of a campaign to promote the 'Peace' poppy as an alternative to the traditional red poppy, a symbol of remembrance for British War Dead. Shops throughout the City have been selling the white poppy and all proceeds are being donated to medical aid for refugees in Calais."

Mr. McAuley went on to explain what format the event would take.

"We do no want any pomp or circumstance. Instead we will have local performers reading classic anti war poetry from Wilfred Owen and E. E Cummings. We shall also hear a poem written especially for the event from the renowned Derry playwright Michael Kerrigan.

:Award winning actor and director Amanda Doherty, and local poet and broadcaster Frank Rafferty will also perform readings. We shall fall silent as the Guildhall clock signals the eleventh hour of the eleventh day and pause for a minute's silence to remember all those innocent victims who have needlessly died."

The organisers wish to stress it is an inclusive event- it is being staged on the Saturday so as not to clash with the traditional Remembrance event. Anyone who wishes to remember the horror of war and the tragedy of its victims is welcome.