Tomorrow marks the 20th anniversary of the SwissAir Flight 111 crash that claimed the lives of 229 people.
At the time of the accident, the Blandford Parish, which represents three churches on the Aspotogan Peninsula, helped provide comfort to families of the victims, while some parishioners joined the search just off Peggy’s Cove.
And every year since then they’ve held a service at the Bayswater SwissAir Memorial site.
This year is no exception.
Reverend Louis Quennelle says locals were deeply impacted by the crash.
“It’s sort of central in the experience of the people there and very much a part of who we are, for better or for worse.”
Quennelle says that experience took a toll, from parishioners to one of his predecessors.
He says church members have told him that the reverend at the time became quite involved in the aftermath, helping the families and the first responders.
He died suddenly in his bed a year after, which has led some to believe stress was a contributing factor in his death.
The 20th anniversary service includes a theme, to help recognize efforts by locals whilst remembering those killed.
“Remembrance, recognition, and respect, and the remembrance part is pretty obvious, remembering the people who died,” says Quennelle.
He says it’s also about recognizing everyone who took part in the aftermath and respecting those who are still troubled by the experience.
“We respect the memory of the day by living more fully and appreciating each day and each person as an irreplaceable gift,” says Quennelle, quoting part of the sermon he’ll give tomorrow.
And although he says it’s obviously a sad day, there are still things to celebrate.
“I think we should also celebrate the human relationships that have really been part of that.”
Quennelle says some of his parishioners have made life-long connections and many families of the victims still come to visit – one is on the planning committee for this memorial.
He expects about 200 people at the service and says some family members are attending.
The service gets underway at 3 p.m. at the Bayswater Memorial.
There will be representation from police and first responders.
It’s open to all and the parking lot of the memorial will be set aside for people with mobility issues.
A reception will take place at the Blandford Community Centre immediately after.
Story by Brittany Wentzell
Twitter: @BrittWentzell
Email: wentzell.brittany@radioabl.ca
