Day of Reflection in remembrance of COVID victims

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Diana Armstrong has encouraged those in the area to participate in the National Day of Reflection for victims of COVID 19.

The UUP councillor said the past year has “challenged us in ways we never thought possible.”

There will be a minute’s silence taking place across the UK on Tuesday in order to remember those who have been affected by COVID 19.

“Today, I am asking the people of the Fermanagh and Omagh District to join me in participating in the first National Day of Reflection as we remember those who have fallen victim to COVID and the families and friends they have left behind,” Armstrong said in a statement.

“As part of the National Day of Reflection, there will be a minute’s silence at 12 noon on Tuesday 23 March and I am asking you to join people right across the UK to observe the minute’s silence and shining a light – a candle, torch or lamp – at 8pm to demonstrate your support.”

“Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is illuminating both Enniskillen Castle and Strule Arts Centre, Omagh yellow on Tuesday, joining other iconic buildings across Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales which are also being lit up in support of the day.”

“There is no doubt that the past year has challenged us in ways we never considered possible. It has made us re-evaluate our lives, how we do business, how we socialise and has made us realise what is important to us. In many ways, we have had to hit the reset button in our lives. There are also significant challenges ahead but I am confident that we are stronger together to meet those challenges.”

“While the restrictions imposed at various times over the past year aimed at protecting the most vulnerable, battling the spread of the disease and protecting the NHS have been challenging, I would like to put on record my gratitude to you, the residents of the district, who by following the guidance from the Northern Ireland Executive and Public Health Agency, have ensured that we have done our best to minimise the impact of COVID-19 across the district.”

“I would also like to place on record my deepest gratitude to our key workers across all sectors who have put themselves and their families at risk to ensure that life went on as normal as possible for everyone else.”

“I would like to thank our emergency services, healthcare workers in hospitals, the community and care homes, our refuse collectors, Registration Service, those working in education, transport and logistics, retail staff and all those in front facing industries who have remained on the front line. We owe them all a huge debt of gratitude.”