On Tuesday 9th March, Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner David Johnstone, alongside staff from the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner’s Office, attended the annual Memorial Day for the Victims of Terrorism event at Parliament Buildings, Stormont.
Since the Madrid terrorist attacks in 2004, this day has been observed across Europe as a time to remember those who have lost their lives to terrorism and to reflect on the lasting impact such violence has on families and communities. The Stormont event, hosted by Timothy Gaston MLA, continues to provide an important opportunity to honour victims and support those who continue to live with the consequences of terrorism.
Over the years, the commemoration has brought together victims and families affected by both republican and loyalist terrorism from across Northern Ireland, Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. This year’s event, marking the European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism and the European Day for Truth and Justice, was held in the Senate Chamber at Parliament Buildings.
Proceedings began with a minute’s silence in memory of all those who lost their lives to terrorism. This was followed by a series of powerful personal testimonies from individuals whose lives have been deeply affected by such violence.
Among those who shared their stories was Travis Dylan Fain OBE BCA DL, who survived the 2017 Westminster Bridge terrorist attack and spoke about his journey of recovery following the injuries he sustained.
John Sproule from Castlederg reflected on the loss of his brother Ian, who were murdered in a Provisional IRA attack. Denise Mullen spoke movingly about the devastating impact of terrorism on her family. She was just four years old when her father, Dennis Mullen, was murdered by the UVF in Moy, County Tyrone, in one of the killings associated with the Glenanne Gang.
Pastor Stephen Thompson also shared his family’s experience of loss, recalling the murder of his aunt, Yvonne Dunlop, in Ballymena in 1976 and reflecting on the enduring impact such tragedies have on families.
Also on display were the memorial quilts created by the South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF). These quilts are a deeply moving tribute, carefully crafted to commemorate innocent victims of terrorism. Each panel reflects the life, personality and interests of the individual remembered, ensuring that they are seen not simply as victims, but as people whose lives were full of meaning and promise. The quilts also stand as a poignant reminder of the enduring grief carried by families. As several speakers reflected, the impact of terrorism does not end with the act itself; it often leaves generations dealing with profound loss, trauma and, in many cases, lasting family consequences including struggles with addiction, declining health and lives shortened by the weight of grief.
The event served as a solemn and meaningful reminder of the profound and lasting effects of terrorism, not only on those directly affected, but also on families, communities and future generations. It was a dignified occasion to honour the memory of those who were murdered and to stand in solidarity with those who continue to carry the legacy of loss.