FAIR: Kingsmills Massacre

[Bluefin221]

Today on a lonely roadside in South Armagh families and those who wished to remember stood in silent tribute to the men who lost their lives in the Kingsmill Massacre. The crowd met to remember the atrocity that still casts a long shadow over the area over 33 Years later. With the passing of years the pain for many has barely diminished and the memory has not faded. The act of unspeakable cruelty that was carried out that dark January night is a telling indictment of Irish Republicanism.

It explodes their myths of a glorious armed resistance against British colonialism and unveils the horrific reality of the bloody sectarian fanaticism which inspired and drives Republicanism. That night was one of the lowest points of the troubles as the men involved forgot their very humanity as they mercilessly murdered ten innocent men. The sadistic pleasure they took and the failure of the perpetrators or indeed the community and church from whence they came to ever repent and confess their involvement demonstrates just what manner of people we live amongst.

When politicians and funders and the great and good of their world lecture victims on reconciliation and community relations telling us to move on and deal with the past we point back to Kingsmills and the countless other atrocities and ask How? We have fought for justice and answers instead we have seen the killers live and prosper and a wall of silence from them the terror groups they belong to and indeed the government.

Victims not only demand but deserve truth and justice and today William Frazer spoke of the determination to achieve this. He pledged himself and FAIR as a whole to work tirelessly and while breath is in our bodies to keep the memory of these victims alive, to support and speak for their loved ones and to achieve truth and justice. The speaker at the memorial service was Pastor Barry Halliday who spoke of the damage such atrocities have done to community relations. He pointed to the aspirations of republicans in contrast to their actions and outlined how rather than furthering their goals they have made them impossible.

Rather than breaking the will of the Protestant people it galvanised it, he spoke of a debate he had with a well educated Republican who when his academic Irish Nationalist arguments could not prevail turned and stated Kingsmills was the only thing Protestants would understand! However even in this horrific brutal jibe he spoke more truth than he could comprehend. Pastor Halliday explained it was not days like the Twelfth of July which defined the substance and depth of Protestantism it was Remembrance Day and days like today when they remembered those who were murdered. They remembered and they rose up and returned to their lands and roles in the community and by their lives and continuing courage they paid the most fitting tribute to their loved ones.

William Frazer paid tribute to the widows and families who attended some in the late eighties now. He pledged to develop the memorial at Kingsmill which was established by FAIR a number of years ago. What is already a poignant but simple memorial will be developed in a lasting memorial to all the innocent civilians who were murdered. It will be a daily reminder to Republicans who drive past the spot just how brutal but bankrupt their cause really is. The Memorial Service is a time for FAIR to reflect on the success of the past year and to rededicate itself to the new year and the challenges it will present

[U_L]

Is this the same Republican movement who claim Protestants/Unionists would be welcome in their wonderful non-Sectarian 'United' Ireland utopia?



The Kingsmills massacre typified Irish Republicanism and showed everyone what it really is; A vile, bitter sectarian beast.