Irish Ambassador to Canada Declan Kelly and Indian diplomat RRPN Sahi, Minister (Political and Consular), in Ottawa were among the dignitaries at the June 23 unveiling of the Ottawa Memorial to the victims of the Air India tragedy at which Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity Jason Kenney addressed the gathering.
Kenney said: “There has been a memorial here at Commissioner’s Park for many years. This plaque, relocated into a new surrounding plaza for quiet contemplation, now joins other memorials unveiled by Prime Minister Harper in Toronto one year ago, and by (Public Safety) Minister (Stockwell) Day in Vancouver’s Stanley Park on July 27, 2007.
“The establishment of memorials across our country, as well as placing one here, in our nation’s capital, shows the truly Canadian nature of the air India tragedy- All Canadians were touched by this terrible crime. Every province, save, one, was home to someone lost 23 years ago.
“Let us also not forget that though this was an overwhelming Canadian crime, it was also a crime whose victims came from all four corners of the world.
“I would like to acknowledge the presence of Minister Sahi from the High Commission of India, whose country lost 29 citizens on that fated flight.
“I also welcome the presence of the Ambassador of Ireland, whose country was so quick to respond all those years ago, and has since been a continuing source of support for the families.
“Today, on the National Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Terrorism, we pay tribute to the 331 people whose lives were taken by this unthinkable act of violence on Air India flight 182, and at Japan’s Narita Airport.
“Our thoughts and prayers and with these families and friends of the victims, as well as with others whose loved have been taken by acts of terrorism. This memorial will stand as a permanent place of sacred memory for those whose lives were taken so senselessly.
“As Prime Minister Stephen Harper said at the unveiling of the Toronto Victims’ Memorial one year ago:
““(This crime) was planned and executed in the name of a cause that had nothing to do with Canada – nothing to do with the people who were killed. On that dark day we got a shocking glimpse of the malevolence that lurks at the core of some of our fellow human beings.
““We truly understood that no political ideology is so important, no religious dogma so righteous, no ethnic grievance so just, that it can ever be used to justify such barbarism.”
“As we know, the tragic loss of life on June 23, 1985 was only compounded by the failure to bring those responsible for this unspeakable crime to justice.
“That is why Prime Minister Harper established the Commission of Inquiry into the investigation of the bombing of Air India Flight 182. The commission, under Justice Major’s wise leadership, is finally bringing to light the shocking failure of our security systems both before and after the bombing. Justice Major’s findings will also help us to ensure that we learn from the inexcusable mistakes that were made, so that they are never again repeated.
“Let me address one of those mistakes, which continues to be made to this day. We all know that there are certain events and places in Canada even, bizarrely, places of worship, where images of those associated with this act of mass murder are portrayed as ‘heroes’ of a political cause. And what’s worse, too often those in positions of authority, including some elected officials, have made a mockery of the virtue of tolerance by looking the other way when confronted with such images, and the disturbing message that they represent. But if we are to remember these victims with more than just empty words; if we are truly to learn from our mistakes and prevent their reoccurrence, then we must consistently condemn the glorification of terrorism in all its forms, and of those associated with it. Let us call on all Canadians to demonstrate their abhorrence for the heartless brutality of who planned, executed, and supported the Air India bombing.
“As Prime Minister Harper said last year, “our best defence lies in convincing all Canadians no matter what their background, to set aside the political, religious, and ethnic conflicts that have darkened the lands and times from which they came, and to embrace our future together.”
“I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to making the memorial a reality. “Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
“To the family and friends of victims, I wish you a renewed sense of hope – may you find peace in the beauty of our surroundings and solace in knowing that Canadians will never forget.
“May the souls of those whose lives we commemorate here rest in peace, and may this place keep alive the memory of them for generations to come.
“Merci. Thank you. God Bless Canada.”
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