A Day of Reflection in memory of all those from with the Derry City and Strabane District Council area who lost their lives as a result of war and conflict will take place in Guildhall Square at lunchtime today.
Organiser, Mayor Cllr Elisha McCalliion, said the event would be non-religious and non-political “around the theme of hope.”
Sinn Fein Cllr McCallion announced in November she would hold such an event after she turned down an invitation from the British Legion to the Remembrance Sunday service at the city’s War Memorial in the Diamond.
Her decision to “respectfully” decline the invitation followed a meeting with officials from the British Legion.
Speaking at the time, Terence McKeegan, chairperson of the Derry branch of the British Legion, said he fully respected Cllr McCallion’s decision and praised her for what he described as a “very positive” meeting.
He added: “It is about mutual respect and we explained to Elisha about the different aspects of the Legion. It was a mutual decision we came to and there was absolutely no animosity.”
In June last year, Cllr McCallion broke new ground when she and party colleague, Mitchell McLaughlin, both attended the 98th commemoration of the Battle of Messines at the Derry memorial (pictured).
It was the first time in 14 years the event had been held in the city and the first time anyone from Sinn Féin had attended.
Urging members of the public to attend today’s event, Cllr McCallion – whose year as Mayor comes to an end next month - said she felt it was important to hold a public event that would bring communities together to share their experiences and reflect their loss.
She said the event was cross-community and an opportunity for the public to remember loved ones they had lost through war or conflict.
She added: “The Day of Reflection is an opportunity for everyone to come together and stand united as we remember loved ones who have sadly lost their lives through war or conflict.
“Many of us have suffered greatly during our troubled past and the Day of Reflection is a chance for us all to unite and take time from our busy lives to reflect and remember.”
She concluded: “I hope to see as many people as possible coming along.”
Choirs from St. Mary’s College in Derry and Holy Cross in Strabane will be performing alongside instrumental music from the Education Authority.
Pupils from St. Cecilia’s College, St. Columb’s College and Oakgrove Integrated Secondary schools, who participated in the Reading for Reflection competition, will do the readings.
Cllr McCallion will also unveil a plaque on the City Walls.
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