THE TSUNAMI MEMORIAL SERVICE

Mr. Michael Jeewa, Chairperson of Myanmar/Burma Relief & Welfare Association was invited to join Her Majesty the Queen and other members of the Royal Family, the Prime Minister and other members of the British Government, Lord Attenborough and others from the film and television industry and senior representatives from a range of faith groups for a National Memorial service held at St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday 11^th May 2005 for the grief-stricken relatives and friends of victims of the Boxing Day Asian Tsunami.

Around 1,800 people were in attendance, including those injured in the actual disaster and others who helped with the relief efforts.

After four and a half months, the evidence of pain of loss from the tragedy was still visible and when thousands of rose petals were dropped, from the balconies above on to the congregation, many people were unable to hold back the tears.

The service was conducted by Dean of St. Paul and sermon was given by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

MBRWA would therefore like to let the families of all those Burmese victims affected by the ‘Tsunami’ disaster, both inside Burma and those affected in the neighbouring countries, particularly the large number of Burmese affected by the disaster in Southern Thailand, know that they are not alone in their grief and loss. MBRWA hopes that they would take some comfort and solace in the knowledge that their suffering was felt and shared by the Nation and its leaders during this very moving occasion.

MBRWA was greatly honoured indeed to be involved in such a humanitarian event, and will continue to contribute its efforts in helping the affected families and communities in rebuilding their lives.

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