Environment

Australia holds day of mourning for wildfire victims

by amyjudd | February 21, 2009 at 04:24 pm

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Australia held a day of mourning today for the Australia wildfire victims; the worst wildfire disaster in the country's history. Tens of thousands of people attended the memorial service in Melbourne.

There were a number of readings and poems and dedications to the people who lost their lives in the fire.

The fires killed more than 200 people and destroyed 1,800 homes in Victoria state. Premier John Brumby said that not only was it time for Australia to grieve over what happened, but:

"There's been such an outpouring of grief and sympathy across the community that we really needed to hold this national day of mourning within a couple of weeks of February 7," he told Channel 10 television Sunday.

"The loss of life, the loss of property and the pain has been immense but at the same time the extraordinary generosity and support of the Australian people... has provided support and hope to these people."

Survivors from other communities were brought in for the memorial service, which will be a day of remembering who lost their lives and their possessions, and who has to rebuild their lives now that the fires are finally extinguished.

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ozthistle

at 18:46 on February 21st, 2009

Australia has been in mourning since Feb. 7th and today we have the opportunity to grieve officially on this, our National Day of Mourning. This is an opportunity for all of us, however far removed, to join together in spirit, care and prayer to remember the many who lost their lives and to support the survivors who lost so much and now are striving forward. I made this sketch collage in the early days after the fires to help deal with my feelings when watching the news coverage. It is humbling - devastating and terrifying - to witness such indiscriminate destruction, even through the screen of a television. And yet, in the wake of tragedy there are so many stories of heroism, courage and kindness to inspire healing and hope. As we unite in grief today, and reflect on those in the midst of this disaster, I hope that the power of the common spirit will reach those who need it most.

ozthistle has contributed a photo to this story.