National Day of Mourning

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The right-of-way can be rebuilt ... lives are lost forever ...

R.I.P.

The railway line to Yarra Glen, Victoria, after the bushfires, February 2009.

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From the Courier Mail click here!

National day of mourning for Victoria bushfire victims

National day of mourning for Victoria bushfire victims
Article from: AAP

February 22, 2009 11:35am

TENS of thousands have gathered in Melbourne to mark the beginning of a memorial service to remember those who died in Victoria's devastating bushfires.

Attendees included hundreds of bushfire survivors, who were shuttled into the city from fire-ravaged towns.

The Rod Laver Arena was filled with people, including political leaders, religious leaders, Princess Anne and other dignitaries.

Many of those at the service were wearing the distinctive yellow overalls of the firefighters.

At least 209 people are known to have died in the February 7 fire storms, most of those from a sweep of towns and villages northeast of Melbourne.

Services are being held across Australia to remember the bushfire victims, although the one at the Rod Laver Arena is expected to be the largest.
In a sombre procession, members of the official party including Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Victorian Premier John Brumby, Governor-General Quentin Bryce and Princess Anne laid flowers at a wreath to remember the dead.

Singer Deborah Cheetham led singing of the national anthem.

Aboriginal leader Auntie Joy Murphy officially welcomed those to the land of the Wurundjeri people.

"The terrible loss of so many human lives, animals and homes is extremely difficult to comprehend and accept, to believe what has happened," Ms Murphy said.

"The spirit of the land will reclaim itself and the bush animals and the pets will return, this is nature's way," she said.

Premier John Brumby told those at the service that Australia was a nation deep in mourning.

"We are picking up the pieces after the worst natural disaster in Australia's history. Devastating fires that have taken family, friends, neighbours and workmates," Mr Brumby said.

"Destructive fires that have torn at the very heart of communities," he said.
Governor-General Quentin Bryce told the service bushfire communities would rebuild.

"We will open our hands and reach out and deep to give of ourselves whatever we are able. We each have our separate tasks, we know what they are and together we know the responsibilities we share," Ms Bryce said.

"In time, what was will be restored - no matter how colossal the effort."

But she said today was a day of reflection.

"The unthinkable we must think; the unimaginable we must see; the unspeakable we must speak; the unbearable we must weep."
Princess Anne represented Queen Elizabeth and the royal family at the memorial.

The princess read out a message written by Queen Elizabeth soon after the fires occurred and passed on her condolences.

"Although a little daunted, when faced with the scale of loss, and the physical and mental impact that these bushfires have made and are still making for Victoria, individuals and towns have responded with resilience, ingenuity, courage and selflessness to situations that were changing at terrifying speed," Princes Anne said.

She said she would be visiting fire affected areas on Sunday, and speaking to some of those touched by the tragedy.

"People from around Australia and across the world watched in horror, but with admiration at their response," Princess Anne said.

"I would particularly thank all those involved in whatever capacity, in the emergency services and in the voluntary organisations," she said.

Victoria's Governor David de Kretser said there were no words to encompass the distress of those who had lost loved ones.

"These have also been difficult days for all Victorians. Days of fear, of pain and now of haunting sadness," he said.

"It is not only family and friends who have suffered loss. Entire communities have been devastated by these fires."
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said Black Saturday saw the worst of nature but the best of humanity, and vowed that every year on February 7 Australian flags would fly at half mast.

"In recent days we have witnessed unspeakable suffering. We have lost mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers. We have lost brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, the tiniest of children, family and friends and neighbours," Mr Rudd said.

"All these are precious lives. No words can provide solace for grief so personal. But simply know this. You who suffer are not alone.

"This great Australian family here assembled and across the nation today is with you."

He said Australia's reaction to the bushfires was different to what may have been expected in other places.

"In some countries tragedy exposes the faultlines in a nation. The strong abandoning the weak. One region indifferent to the sufferings of another. One culture uncaring as to the needs of another.

"But ours is a different nation. Our nation has been as one. Australia, a nation of compassion," Mr Rudd said.

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From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Day of mourning for Vic bushfire victims

Day of mourning for Vic bushfire victims
February 7, 2010 - 6:09AM

Australians will observe a national day of mourning today on the first anniversary since deadly bushfires killed 173 people and decimated rural communities in Victoria.

To mark the fateful day of February 7, 2009, community events have been organised in the bushfire-hit areas such as at the Kinglake West Football Ground on Sunday night, when butterflies will be released and candles lit.

Other activities on Sunday include a Remembrance Service at Kinglake West Uniting Church and Victorian Governor David de Kretser and his wife Jan will open a memorial bell and gateway in a reflective garden at Kinglake West Mechanics Institute Reserve.

There will be a combined church service and community reflection for Marysville residents at Gallipoli Park, which became the refuge for those who stayed and tried to defend their properties.

Services are also being held in Flowerdale, Whittlesea, Toolangi, Bendigo and Gippsland among many others in bushfire-affected communities across the state.

Some are open to all, including the media, while others want to show their grief in private.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Victorian Premier John Brumby will lead a multi-faith memorial service at St Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne on Sunday to remember those who perished.

Mr Rudd has declared Sunday a national day of mourning with flags to be flown at half mast around Australia together with a minute's silence at noon for the Black Saturday victims.

Mr Brumby released a statement on the anniversary.

"The loss of so many men, women and children was almost too much to bear - and their absence still weighs heavily on their communities and all of those who loved them," it said.

"Today - one year on - we remember these people and our thoughts are with their families and friends at this very difficult time.

"While Black Saturday saw the worst of what nature can do, it also brought out the very best in our community.

"And the generosity of Victorians and the resilience of our communities as they rebuild is something we will never forget.

"But today we remember the people who lost their lives one year ago - and I know all Victorians will join me in offering our deepest sympathies to all those who have suffered such profound and devastating loss."

AAP