On 11 March 2009, we celebrated the European V Day in remembrance of the Victims of Terrorism. Last year we had the opportunity to read a message that was sent to us by the Vice President of the European Commission, Franco Frattini, inaugurating the virtual monument. For the new tribute that was organized by NAVT this year, we would like to add the words that were sent for this occasion by Mr. Jacques Barrot, the Vice President of the European Commission and the European Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security.
“This year, on 11 March, we mark the fifth European Day for the victims of terrorism. Five years to the day of the terrible attacks in Madrid, we remember all the victims of terrorism.
We dedicate this day to show that our solidarity with all victims of terrorist attacks will never come to an end. We do not forget those who have lost their lives or those who still bear the mental and physical scars of these tragic events. This day is an occasion for us to once again express our sympathy.
The European Commission will continue to support victims of terrorism, amongst others by assisting to finance projects aiming at improving victims’ lives and by actively promoting solidarity with them. We hope that this small contribution can offer them some assistance in the difficult task of having to cope with such a terrible experience.
In addition, the EU will continue its fight to combat terrorism. Following the attacks in the US, in Madrid, in London, in Mumbai and recently in Cairo and Belfast we have made significant progress in working together to confront terrorism. Work is carried out in various fields, including, for example, our efforts to prevent terrorists from collecting and gaining access to funds which would enable them to travel and hide or purchase the means to attack.
Our action in the fight against terrorism is based on the absolute primacy of the rule of law. This means that we fight terrorism by the law and within the law. Fighting terrorism is about preserving our most fundamental and cherished human rights and this means that we must uphold these human rights with every step we take.
This day also gives us an opportunity to demonstrate clearly that no terrorist will ever be able to diminish or even destroy our strong faith in these shared values. Terrorist acts will never pay off and there will never be an acceptable reason for them.
There can never be adequate compensation for the victims or for the families of the victims of terrorism. However, we can stand by them as we do today, expressing all our sympathy and continuing our efforts to try to prevent such attacks in the future”.
Jacques Barrot, the Vice President of the European Commission and the European Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security
This year, we wanted to pay tribute to the victims of terrorism in a single, virtual space where we could all meet and remember our loved ones. The names of the victims who are no longer among us, the people harmed by terrorism, family members, friends… any European citizen… All of the names could be remembered in a show of solidarity, love and support that transcended national borders.
Again, we are providing these five links:
www.diadelrecuerdo.net
www.giornatadellamemoria.net
www.journeedelamemoire.net
www.diadamemoria.net
www.m11remembranceday.net
And, like last year, the written names came from all parts of the world. The time difference contributed to keeping the tribute open 24 hours a day
On behalf of NAVT, we would like to thank all of the people who have contributed to making this virtual tribute a reality. On this special date, the love and support that has been shown from the far corners of the planet reinforces our commitment to work for the victims of terrorism