BELLS will ring across Victoria on Sunday as the nation stops to remember the victims of the state's deadly bush fires, with the toll now at 209. A ringing of the Federation Bells at Birrarung Marr at 11am will signal the start of the National Day of Mourning service at Rod Laver Arena.
Premier John Brumby today encouraged churches, town halls and other facilities to ring their bells at the same time. After a traditional welcome to country ceremony Mr Brumby will deliver the welcoming address at the mourning service.
The service will include a procession with representatives from affected communities, emergency service personnel, support services, youth and faith communities Mr Brumby said the service would allow all Australians express their sadness for those who lost their lives and show their support for survivors and those that fought the fires.
"The National Day of Mourning this Sunday will give us all the opportunity to reflect on what is the worst natural disaster in the history of Australia,” Mr Brumby said.
"It will give us the opportunity to pay our respects to those who have been tragically lost. It will give us the opportunity to recognise the emergency service personnel who have done so much.
"And it will give us the opportunity to show our support for bushfire affected communities as we begin the process of rebuilding
Australians have banded together in the wake of the bushfire disaster with more that $139 million donated to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal. The National Day of Mourning - Together for Victoria service will start at 11am. Doors at Rod Laver Arena will open from 8.30am and free travel is available to people from fire affected areas. It will broadcast live on television as well as at live sites across the city including Federation Square, Docklands and the Myer Music Bowl.
I hadn't realized the death numbers had risen again. As you know, I write a Journal for each grandchild for their first few years of my meetings with them. So for the youngest, Eden, that I babysat on Valentines Day I wrote the news of the day, including Obama stuff, but also AU's fire story. I started with the # 102 that was crossed out for 170, then 173, then 180 then 183 and now you say 209..... sighs and more sighs......it is so horrendous
ReplyDeleteYeah it's not good there is two people there that I have sent letters too. And literally Australia has lost so much - but there is always that resolve Karen.
ReplyDeleteWhen we forget about ourselves and do something good towards others - there is something to that - I am not sure if it's faith based or if it's just doing what you realize is with good intentions.
My heart goes out to them all.
ReplyDeleteNorma I think we both have a few acquaintances that we both do.
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