VANCOUVER The 331 victims of the Air-India bombings were remembered on the 29th anniversary of the tragedy on Monday at Vancouver’s Stanley Pak and despite a drizzle, more than 100 persons came out to the memorial service.
Wreaths were placed at the monument that bears the names of the victims who died on June 23, 1985. While Air-India flight 182 was blown into pieces above the Irish Sea, killing all 329 on board, the second blast took place at the Narita airport in Japan, killing two baggage handlers.
Major Sidhu, vice-president of the Ross Street Sikh Temple, was one of the key organisers. His sister and her two children were among the passengers on board the ill-fated Flight 182. Overcome by grief, he found it difficult to address the gathering. So his wife spoke on his behalf.
The Deputy Counsel General of India, Amarjeet Singh, spoke on the occasion. So did MPs Jinny Sims and Jasbir Sandhu, MLA Harry Bains.
Various Hindu and Sikh temples of lower mainland arranged buses to bring people to the memorial service. Free food was served on the occasion after prayers.
