Bloody Sunday – 35 Years On
The annual Bloody Sunday memorial march is to take place this coming Sunday, January 28th, in Derry City.
14 civil rights demonstrators were massacred by the British Paratroop Regiment on the streets of Derry in January 1972. Many others were wounded.
Father Edward Daly waving a blood-stained white handkerchief while trying to escort the mortally wounded Jackie Duddy to safety.
Speaking ahead of this year’s anniversary, Éirígí spokesperson Daithí Mac An Mhaistír called on people to attend in a gesture of support to both the families of the victims and the survivors of the British army massacre.
Daithí said: “2007 marks the 35th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Derry – for 35 years the families of the dead and their supporters have been fighting for justice. Their struggle, while long and tiring, has been an inspiration to nationalist and republican communities throughout Ireland. I have no doubt that these communities will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Derry and make an effort to attend the march on Sunday.”
Daithí continued: “Regardless of the findings of the Saville inquiry, the people of Ireland know the truth. They know that what happened in Derry in January 1972 was a deliberate attempt by the British establishment to stamp out the then growing resistance to British rule in Ireland.”
“Events since then, not least the huge attendances at the annual Bloody Sunday march in Derry, have shown that the desire of the people of Ireland to be free cannot be suppressed by brute force. The British government cannot be allowed to get away with taking the lives of 14 Irish citizens and the families continuing fight for justice should be supported by everyone with an interest in human rights.”
The annual Bloody Sunday Commemorative March will assemble at Fanad Drive, Creggan, Derry at 2.30pm this Sunday January 28th.