TORONTO: Canada on Saturday remembered 329 victims of Air India Flight 182 which was blown off in mid-air on June 23, 1985.
The Air India bombing is marked as National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism in Canada.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “On this day in 1985, Canadians awoke to news that defied belief, and left our country in a state of shock and suffering.
“Air India Flight 182, bound for London after picking up passengers in Toronto and Montréal, disappeared from radar off the coast of Ireland. A bomb – planted on the plane in Canada in an act of terror – exploded on board, killing 329 innocent people, including 280 Canadians.
“The Air India bombing remains the single worst terrorist attack in Canada’s history. This horrific act of malice and destruction left families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, and brought pain that will never completely go away.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I extend my condolences to everyone everywhere who has lost loved ones to terrorism. We also thank and honour those who work each day to keep our citizens, communities, and country safe.”
In British Columbia, Premier John Horgan paid tributes to the the Air India victims as flags at the Parliament Buildings in Victoria flew at half-mast to mark the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism.
The Premier said, “Canadians will never forget this act of terror that took the lives of 329 people, including 280 Canadians. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the victims. “Today across Canada, people are gathering to honour the lives of all Canadians affected by terrorism.”
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