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Memorial services announced as first anniversary of Swissair tragedy nears

Vernon Oickle
Lighthouse staff

 COUNTY - As the first anniversary of the crash of Swissair Flight 111 approaches, a schedule for memorial services marking the tragedy has been released.

 Last week, Lorne Clarke, chairman of the Flight 111 Memorial Advisory Committee, announced four specific events are planned for September 1 and 2.

 More than 800 members of the victims' families are expected to be in Nova Scotia and organizers said efforts are being made to honour their wishes in regards to the services.

 "We want the families to feel comfortable coming back to our province during what must be a difficult time for them," Mr. Clarke said.

 The schedule is as follows:

 September 1.

 - Interment and memorial dedication at the Bayswater site. The ceremony will be private at the request of family members.

 - Dedication of the memorial at Whales Back overlooking Peggy's Cove. Representatives from the agencies and organizations that played a role in the rescue, recovery and other operations will take part in this ceremony.

 September 2.

 - Commemorative gathering at the World Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax. This gathering is an opportunity for family members to meet Nova Scotians who took part in he search, recovery and other operations following the tragedy.

 - An interfaith candlelight memorial service open to the public on Citadel Hill, Halifax. The service is sponsored by the local Christian, Jewish and Islamic communities in collaboration with the International Association of the Families of Swissair Flight 111.

 Times and other details of the ceremonies are expected to be released soon.

 Swissiar Flight 111 crashed into the Atlantic Ocean September 2 last year killing all 229 crew and passengers on board. The investigation into the cause of the accident is on-going.