In Their Footsteps

In Their Footsteps – the mission: We intend to mobilise families and individuals throughout Ireland who wish to pursue truth and justice for their loved ones killed and/or injured as a result of the conflict, to unite for a peaceful Day of Action in Dublin on Saturday, 14 June 2014.

 

This date for has been chosen to coincide with the fourth anniversary of the publication of the report of the Bloody Sunday Inquiry. As a strong, cohesive, and inclusive coalition of groups and individuals, we intend to bring pressure on the Irish and British governments to implement proposals for dealing with the past in line with the Haass proposals. We believe that all those who lost loved ones as a result of the conflict deserve to have their concerns taken seriously by the two Governments which were themselves parties to the conflict.

As part of the peaceful vigil from 2pm-4pm, we are asking families/individuals to each bring or contribute a pair of shoes to represent their absent loved one. These shoes will be placed in O’Connell Street for all to see. Those who were injured are also invited to contribute a pair of shoes for display. Each pair should have a note inside, explaining who they represent, how they died or were injured, and any demands or hopes that the particular family may have. We believe this collection of shoes will prove a powerful visual tool symbolising lost and ruined lives. These can then be used subsequently in different events.

This initial Day of Action belongs to all of us, and will provide a springboard for further events, both collectively and by individual campaigns or families. While recognising that the families of victims have many different needs and demands, we recognise that all seek truth, justice and acknowledgment. Consequently, our overarching theme will be ‘Set the Truth Free’.

Set the truth free

We see this as the beginning of a series of such events and our strength lies in numbers – so please spread the word and make this an event to remember. All who feel they can benefit from this campaign are welcome. See Q&A for initial list of sponsors.

*This Day of Action is aimed at bereaved families and the injured and we are asking that NO political or campaign banners, or flags of any description, be carried during the two-hour public event on O’ Connell Street on the day. After the peaceful vigil, individual campaigns may wish to plan their own activities after 4pm in Dublin city centre.*

For more information: Contact organiser Julieann Campbell (vice-chair, Bloody Sunday Trust) on 075 1320 8420 or email: missjulieanncampbell@gmail.com

Questions & Answers – June Day of Action

Why Dublin?

Dublin has been chosen as the destination for this Day of Action for several reasons. Irish government involvement in the Bloody Sunday case marked a turning point in the campaign for a new Inquiry. As Irish citizens we demand that the Irish government exert as equally a robust influence on Britain in regards to all the other unsolved cases. The central pedestrian spine runs the length of O’Connell Street, one of the busiest streets in Ireland, giving the campaign maximum exposure. While London would be the more obvious choice for any Day of Action, it proved too costly to consider this year. However, it remains a distinct possibility for a later date.

Who is organising this event?

So far, organisers include the Pat Finucane Centre, Bloody Sunday Trust, Justice for the Forgotten, (including, the Dublin, Monaghan, Dundalk, Castleblaney and Belturbet bombings) the Ballymurphy Massacre families, and families linked to Mc Gurks Bar, the MRF cases, the Glenanne gang, plastic and rubber bullet deaths, the Mount Vernon gang, Kelly’s Bar and a large number of individual families. No one group ‘owns’ this event…

Why are no banners or flags allowed?

We want to provide the best platform whereby families, groups and individuals can actively engage with the public during the two-hour event in Dublin. Seeing particular banners could confuse onlookers and lead many to presume the entire Day of Action belongs to one particular group or campaign. Many families are not associated with a larger campaign. We will produce a specific Set the Truth Free banner, which can then be used for future events. Groups can obviously organise their own events afterwards, perhaps at the British embassy.

Why stay there two hours?

Thousands of people will pass through O’Connell Street on a Saturday, and our central presence, as well as the spectacle of so many shoes on display, will undoubtedly attract the public’s attention and stimulate discussion.

How will we get there?

In order to maximise attendance, coaches will depart from Derry, Belfast and Armagh, returning the same evening. Buses may pick-up on request.

What do I need?

All we ask is that each family bring one pair of shoes (with accompanying note for inside) and bring a packed lunch. If you cannot attend, then please provide us with a pair of shoes and accompanying note and they will be included. If you can, a contribution towards the bus would be welcome. Contact us to reserve seats on bus!

For more information:

Contact organiser Julieann Campbell (vice-chair, Bloody Sunday Trust) on 075 1320 8420 or email: missjulieanncampbell@gmail.com