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“Marcia Silenziosa” per i parenti dei Disappeared

Families of the Disappeared hold silent walk

THE families of the Disappeared have taken part in their fourth annual Silent Walk to the steps of Parliament Buildings in Stormont.

Disappeared: Silent Walk, StormontThe short but poignant walk started at midday from Carson’s Statue, during which the families carried a black wreath with white lilies symbolising those of the Disappeared who are missing.

Kathleen Armstrong, the wife of Crossmaglen man Charlie Armstrong, whose remains were found by the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains (ICLVR) in July of this year, removed one of the lilies from the wreath to symbolise the recovery of her husband’s body.

Speaking to the Andersonstown News after the ceremony, Philomena McKee, sister of Andersonstown man Kevin McKee, who disappeared in October 1972, appealed for information on her brother’s whereabouts.

It is believed Kevin was taken to South Armagh where he was murdered and buried. Despite searches south of the border, his body has never been found.

“I would appeal to anyone with information to come forward,” said Philomena.

“It might seem a little amount of information but please come forward anyway. There have been false alarms on his whereabouts in the past but it gives you that bit of hope that he might some day be located.”

Margaret McKinney, the mother of 22-year-old Brian McKinney, who disappeared from West Belfast in May 1978 along with 18-year-old John McClory, travelled over from England to take part in the Silent Walk.

The remains of both men were recovered in the townland of Colgagh in County Monaghan in June 1999 after information was brought forward by the IRA.

“It means everything to be able to give your loved ones a burial,” said Mrs McKinney.

“At least we know where he is now.”

Speaking about the Silent Walk, Anne Morgan, whose brother Seamus Ruddy was murdered by West Belfast members of the INLA in Paris, said the walk was “very significant for the families”.

“It’s a reminder that our plight is ongoing and that every effort needs to be made to bring our loved ones home for Christian burial,” said Anne.

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René Querin

Di professione grafico e web designer, sono appassionato di trekking e innamorato dell'Irlanda e della sua storia. Insieme ad Andrea Varacalli ho creato e gestisco Les Enfants Terribles.

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