A dozen people gathered outside the Orillia Opera House on Wednesday evening to remember those who died last week when a plane was shot down over Iran.
The vigil was organized by the Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU).
“It’s gut wrenching and heartbreaking. My heart goes out to their families,” LUSU vice-president Rachel Murray said of the 176 people who were killed when Iranian missiles took down Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 on Jan. 8.
Fifty-seven Canadians were among the dead, and many of them had connections to Canada’s post-secondary community.
“We lost a lot of friends on that flight,” said LUSU campaigns commissioner Brandon Rhéal Amyot. “We want to acknowledge all the people who are struggling right now. We’re here to support in any way we can, as students and as community members.”
“It’s important that we take a moment out of our busy lives to remember,” Murray added. “Those lives matter. The loss is more than words can say. It’s great to have people come out and support whether you have personal ties to it or not.”
Jane Bonsteel attended the vigil because she was “very, very moved by the tragedy in that it was totally innocent people” affected.
“The fact that these people are collateral damage in a conflict they had nothing to do with is tragic. It’s unfair,” she said.
After a moment of silence, attendees shared their thoughts with another before heading on their way.
