Speaking Points on the Occastion of the visit to WAVE Trauma Centre
Belfast, 2nd March 2012
I would like to thank you for welcoming me here today and for allowing me to share this day with you. Let us start today by remembering all those who have been affected by the darkest period of this island’s shared history.
The compassion felt when we witness the suffering of those who have been injured or those who have lost loved ones during the conflict on this island is not enough to ease the pain you carry with you. Regardless of this, we hope that it helps you a little on your life’s journey, a journey along a road not of your making or choosing, a journey none of us would ever wish to have to endure.
In particular, let us remember those who are known as the Disappeared. We recognise the pain that their loss created, and we say as one, never again. We can barely imagine the despair and anguish of not knowing the final resting place of your son or daughter, brother or sister, father or mother. Added to this is the fear and loneliness you must have felt and continue to feel to this day. No person should have to suffer such a torrent of despair, and it is the duty of each and every person on this island to ensure that the conditions which created such a dark period can never be allowed to happen again.
For the families and friends of those who are still striving to recover the remains of their loved ones I say this; it takes courage to carry on searching and hoping, day after day, year after year. It takes strength to go on looking for answers and this continual search for closure is testimony to the families who have not given up hope and whose enduring love is the energy that keeps them going against all the odds.
Many talk of their lives being put on hold. We all hope and pray that memories of happier times may be called to mind, that the realisation that others are facing and have faced the same nightmare will bring a solidarity and determination to keep on remembering and searching, to never give up hope or the pursuit of closure.
Those of you who have recovered the remains of your loved ones must provide support to those who are still searching; you must show them that the task is not impossible and that your perseverance was not in vain. I would also like to commend the dignified and compassionate manner in which the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains has gone about its difficult task.
Dealing with the awful losses caused by the past conflicts cannot be done alone, and it is important to acknowledge the friends and well wishers who have helped you along on this sad journey with kind hearts and strong support.
I would like to take this occasion to pay particular tribute to the work being done by WAVE, an organization which has worked tirelessly to assist those who have been forced to bear a terrible burden of pain and suffering. On Sunday WAVE will be holding a service to mark its 21 year anniversary, and this service will highlight not just the terrible losses suffered during a dark past, but the hope and promise of a bright, peaceful future brought about by the good works of organisations such as WAVE.