Northern Ireland came together on Sunday. Events were held across the country as families commemorated their loved ones lost to Covid-19 as part of a national day of reflection in the UK. Organized by the Memory Stones of Love group, which was set up by families wanting to remember their loved ones together, activities included a walk across the Peace Bridge in Londonderry. Later, a minute of silence was held in the city’s Peace Flame Garden.
Ciaran Ward’s parents Bredge and Owen Ward, both from Strabane County, Tyrone, died within 12 hours of each other in November 2020. Mr. Ward spoke to BBC News NI, describing how the pandemic had made the reality of his parent’s deaths feel surreal. He also spoke about the strict measures preventing him from visiting his parents in the hospital.
At Sunday’s event, families united to share their feelings. Catriona Myles attended the event to bring comfort, compassion, and solidarity to the other bereaved families. She spoke about how lonely it can be for families struggling to find comfort, stating that “Everyone wants to move on, and I understand that as a society, we need to move on. But for the families, there are so many questions unanswered.”
The Memory Stones of Love group held a craft event in Belfast, followed by a walk to Belfast City Hall, which was lit up yellow in memory of those who died. Last year the group laid over 300 memory stones outside City Hall, individually painted and bearing the name of a loved one who died in the pandemic. Other public buildings across Northern Ireland, including the Guildhall in Derry, also illuminated yellow as a mark of respect
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More