"The Day of Reflection is a Day to reflect on our own attitudes, on what more we might have done or might still do, to acknowledge the deep hurt and pain caused by the conflict in and about Northern Ireland, and to make a personal commitment that such loss should never be allowed to happen again."
In that spirit I thought that I would reflect on some of my own personal attitudes and experiences.
I turned 30 years old earlier this year. Half of that time was lived during 'the troubles', the latter half has been lived in what we call peaceful times. However, in my opinion, these years have still been 'troubled'. I say this because I am from Omagh.
I was 15 when a bomb tore through the buildings and people of my town. I still get emotional when I think about it.
I had just returned from Atlanta, Georgia in the US a few weeks before. I had participated on the Ulster Project which sees 6 protestant and 6 catholic teens form a group and stay with host families of other backgrounds in America for four weeks. The concept was to promote peace and better understanding in young people on more neutral ground. At that point, it had been the best thing I'd ever done in my life. I had come home to Omagh having made new friends for life, a new perspective on life, hopeful for the future. Less than three weeks later, everything changed.
I remember that day like it was yesterday and I vividly remember the excruciating and emotional days after. My dad was called in to implement the towns emergency plan. I didn't see him for days except once he came home for a few hours sleep. He didn't look like himself. He later told me some of his experiences so I now know why.
Some of my other memories of the aftermath include watching the news reports and having the surreal feeling of seeing your town, yet feeling some sort of disconnect from it, like my eyes were lying to me.
I remember the funerals, the weeks and weeks of funerals. The injuries, seeing so many people with cuts, bruises, on crutches, all patched up physically. Thinking that not enough patches, stitches or casts in the world would help mend the psychological and emotional damage.
I remember going back to school two weeks later and it being so sombre.
I remember those who died and their families.
I reflect on that time and I look at Omagh now- how it has been rebuilt, how the people supported each other and how it is strong. The scars will always be there but I am proud of the strength of the people and the town.
In 2011, Ronan Kerr, a young catholic PSNI officer from Omagh was murdered outside his home. The town hit the media headlines again. Everyone came together and took to the streets marching for peace. "Not in my Name" was the message. The people of Omagh and beyond wanted the world to know that we want a future living in peace together.
My Day of Reflection is to acknowledge the deep pain that so many have suffered, to be open and compassionate to all, and to be hopeful that the future generations can try to understand the past and work together for a peaceful future.
This is just a small part of my story and memory of the conflict here in Northern Ireland. Through the Border Lives project I am learning so much more about what happened to others. I am thankful to anyone who shares their experience because hearing, reading or watching personal stories can only help us all to empathise, to understand, to share, and to learn.
