FAMILIES of some of the 329 victims of a plane crash off the Irish coast gathered to mark the 40th anniversary of the tragedy today.
On June 23 1985, men, women and children died when Air India Flight 182 was brought down off the coast of Cork in what remains the worst aviation disaster in Irish and Canadian history.
The annual commemoration at the Ahakista Memorial serves as a solemn tribute to those who perished and as a reminder of the enduring bonds between Ireland, Canada and India.
This year’s ceremony, marking a milestone anniversary, began at the memorial monument with a minute of silence, followed by a moving tribute from the families of the victims through chanting and readings from Christian and Hindu representatives.
Family members then laid wreaths alongside the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll, Taoiseach Micheal Martin, The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Canadian Minister of Public Safety, Mr Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas of India, representatives from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Naval Service, An Garda Siochana; and members of the local community.
His Excellency Akhilesh Mishra, Indian Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Dennis King, Canadian Ambassador to Ireland, Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development, Jerry Buttimer TD, Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell and Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations in New York Bob Rae were also in attendance.
Speaking at the event, the Mayor Carroll said: “Today, we come together to remember those whose lives were so tragically cut short and to stand in solidarity with their families.
“This memorial in Ahakista is a symbol of our community’s commitment to honouring their memory and ensuring that their loss is never forgotten.”
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said: “Forty years on, we remember the 329 innocent lives lost in the skies above Ireland.
“Today, we gather in solidarity with the families of those who were aboard Air India Flight 182.
“While we are brought together in sadness on this occasion, we also recognise the deep bonds of friendship that have grown between our communities and nations.”
Cork County Council Chief Executive Moira Murrell added: “Cork County Council is honoured to continue supporting this memorial, which holds such significance for families, friends, and communities on both sides of the Atlantic.
‘HONOUR THOSE WHO HAVE PASSED’
“Is le mothú domhain sollúntachta agus le machnaimh a dhéanaimid onóir dóibh siúd a fuair bás, agus dóibh siúd ar athraíodh a saol go deo ag an tragóid seo. Go bhfaighe siad síocháin agus sólás. (It is with a deep sense of solemnity and reflection that we honour those who have passed away, and those whose lives have been forever changed by this tragedy. May they find peace and comfort.)”
The Air India Memorial at Ahakista continues to draw visitors from across the world, standing as a poignant reminder of the importance of remembering the past while working towards a more peaceful future.
