Victims annual Remembrance Day announced

Victims annual Remembrance Day announced

Victims of some of New Zealand’s most heinous crimes have chosen 25th September to be the annual Remembrance Day to mark the lives of those who have lost their lives as well as those left behind.

While the inaugural launch of the “White Heart Remembrance Trust” www.whitehearttrust.co.nz will be at 12 noon this Sunday the idea of having an annual remembrance day has actually been in the making for some time.

A number of families formed a working group at a Sensible Sentencing Trust Victims Rights Conference two years ago and have since worked away behind the scenes too bring the idea to fruition.

The date has been chosen as the commemoration day because it marks the beginning of Spring and has a parallel with Anzac Day which remembers the many New Zealanders who gave their lives to ensure others could live in freedom.

White Heart Trust founders want the loss of their loved ones to become a springboard for making the world a better place.

White Heart Chairman, Simon Cowan, who lost his son Phil in a suspected drug killing is one of the driving forces behind the Remembrance Day.

“There are too many victims in New Zealand and the numbers are growing at an alarming rate. Those who have lost their lives are more than a statistic – they are someone’s loved one – a family member or friend who died as a result of a tragic or criminal act.”

“By creating the White Heart Trust we have an entity whose prime purpose is remembering victims and the good times before they were ‘lost’. We want to remind people to look after each other to reduce crime and create a safer environment for us all.”

Mr. Cowan said the ‘cost’ to victims and families of crime cannot be underestimated.

“On top of the emotional and psychological stress, those left behind continue to suffer enormous financial repercussions.”

“White Heart intends to become an annual day New Zealanders nationwide – victims or not – can simply acknowledge those who have been ‘lost’ and ease the burden of those left behind.”

Victims Remembrance Day will be held at Memorial Square in Napier [by Clive Square] at noon this Sunday.

Speakers are Simon Cowan, who will speak on “Victims Remembrance”, Garth McVicar of the Sensible Sentencing Trust, “Safe Crime-Free New Zealand” and Teresa Cormack’s mother Kelly Pigott speaking on our “Children Remembered.”

ENDS

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