Three treasured peace prizes awarded to John Hume during his lifetime were officialy unveiled at Derry’s Guildhall on Saturday.
The former SDLP leader was the only person in history to be awarded the Nobel, Martin Luther King Jnr and Mahatma Gandhi peace prizes in 1998, 1999 and 2002 respectively.
A few months after Mr Hume’s death in August 2020, his wife Pat presented the awards to the people of Derry.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Sandra Duffy unveiled the three pieces along with members of John and Pat Hume’s family.
Mayor Duffy said: “I was delighted to officially unveil the unique collection of peace accolades awarded to John Hume in the Guildhall.
“John is the only person to ever have received all three distinguished honours.
“Thank you to the Hume family for gifting this wonderful legacy to the people of Derry.”
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has said that the gift of John Hume’s peace prizes to the people of Derry will be an enduring reminder of the importance of peace.
Mr Eastwood said the gift of the medals epitomised John and Pat Hume, who always put the people of Derry and Ireland before themselves.
Said the Foyle MP: “Throughout their lives John and Pat Hume put their work on behalf of the people of Derry, and people right across this island ahead of all else.
“It’s no surprise that following John’s passing Pat made the remarkable gesture of gifting his peace prizes to the people of Derry, to whom he gave so much and who in turn supported him throughout his life and career.
“I’m delighted that these awards will now go on permanent display in our city’s Guildhall where both local people and tourists can view them, remember John, Pat and everyone who helped them along their journey and all that they achieved.
“John and Pat’s legacy is more than just a monument to an incredible past, it is rooted in the prospect of a better future for all our people.
“Their vision of nationalists and unionists spilling their sweat together in common endeavour to meet the needs of the people who share this island in all their difference and diversity is a challenge to those of us who carry their mantle.
“We cannot allow the opportunity they have given us to be wasted by people and parties more interested in division and deadlock.
“John achieved an extraordinary amount in a lifetime filled with public service, but his work is not yet done.
“We have not yet achieved a shared Ireland where people live alongside each other in peace and prosperity.
“He showed us the way and the most fitting tribute to him will be our continued efforts to achieve his goals,” added Mr Eastwood.
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