AROUND several hundred people have attended an event in Derry city centre this afternoon.
It was held at Guildhall Square in memory of those from within the Derry City and Strabane District Council area who lost their lives as a result of war and conflict over the years..
This was the city’s first ever Day of Reflection was organised by the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Elisha McCallion.
The Sinn Fein councillor followed her decision last November not to take up an invitation from the British Legion to attend the annual Remembrance Sunday service at the city’s War Memorial in the Diamond.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Mayor 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 is cross community and an opportunity for the public to remember loved ones they have lost through war or conflict.
Choirs from St. Mary’s and Holy Cross schools performed alongside instrumental music from the Education Authority and 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.
The Mayor also unveiled a plaque on the City Walls.
Buses were made available from a number of locations from within the Council district for those wishing to travel to the event.
The buses were available from Castlederg, Victoria Bridge, Strabane, Bready and Newbuildings, or Eglinton, Claudy, Shantallow and Pennyburn.
The Mayor 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.”
