PEOPLE throughout Tyrone are being urged to take part in a 'day of private reflection' organised by the Healing Through Remembering (HTR) organisation to be held on June 21.
The cross-community organisation focuses on ways of dealing with the past relating to the conflict in and about Northern Ireland, with the aim of ensuring a peaceful and stable future for all.
And it says the day of private reflection could help people make a commitment to a peaceful future, while also acknowledging the deep hurt and loss caused by the conflict.
In planning the day, HTR sought a wide range of opinion, and it has received positive responses from various organisations - including churches, community groups and businesses - and also a wide range of individual people.
HTR has invited people across Northern Ireland, Britain, the Republic of Ireland and further afield to take part in the Day.
Sean Coll, Chair of the HTR Day of Reflection Sub Group, said at the launch, "This day of Private Reflection is a society-wide initiative. However, private is the key word as we invite people to take part. Participation should be entirely voluntary.
"Some people may want to reflect on their own, others may decide to do so within a family, a group or organisation.
"While no specific events are being planned for the day, groups can be involved by raising awareness among their members, by making a place available where reflection can take place and/or by facilitating reflection."
The launch began with a presentation by members of HTR's Day of Reflection Sub Group and was attended by a range of people involved in the initiative whose lives have been affected by the conflict, including Drumquin PP Fr Kevin Mullan.
Andrew Rawding, a member of the HTR Day of Reflection Sub Group, said, "For me, as a former soldier particularly, remembrance is both crucial and unavoidable, but if we only remember we will live in the past. We need to reflect on our memories, to think about whether the attitudes and actions linked to them contribute to healing and a better future for all."
HTR has produced a range of information materials - leaflets, postcards, wallet-cards and posters - to help raise awareness of the day and also to aid reflection on the day itself. All items can be obtained online at www.dayofreflection.com.
