Watch above: Montrealers remember the one year anniversary of the train explosion that ripped through Lac-Megantic
Isabelle Lacroix lives in Laval but grew up in Lac Megantic. On the one year anniversary of the train disaster, she came back to her hometown to be with her sister.
“It’s a part of us that died,” she said. “We have to remember this.”
On Sunday, Montrealers remembered where they were when they first heard the news a year ago.
“It was terrible, I remember I couldnt believe the images,” said one Montrealer.
“I was at work, and I have a few colleagues theyre from there,” said another. “They were calling a lot their family and making sure everything was OK.”
At St.Josephs Oratory, thoughts and prayers were also with the residents of mMegantic.
The gospel of today invites us to accept that the burden of the lord is light,” said Rector Claude Grou. “But sometimes the burden is difficult, and I’m sure people can make the link with Lac Megantic.”
Last year Montrealers quickly mobilized to help Megantic, and Montreal is still spearheading a lot of efforts to help rebuild the city. For Montreal mayor Denis Coderre, it was important to be there today.
When some people suffer, we understand that we have a role to play as a mayor,” he said. “That we represent something, and to send a message that, you know, I’m not just here by myself– it’s all Montrealers.”
It’s a feeling Montrealers share.
“I think whoever could get involved, should get involved,” said one woman.
“I like to give, it never really came to my mind, I just– if someone needs help, I’ll help them,” said another Montrealer.
“I think it is the spirit of Montrealers to work and and help people in Lac Megantic,” said Grou. “There is a sensitivity that is all over Quebec and we are happy to see that Montrealers are doing things in that direction
Isabelle is very optimistic.
“I have hope for Lac Megantic,” she said. “I’m from Montreal and for the past 10 years, every time I talk about I’m from Lac Megantic, no one would know this town. And now all the world knows. I think its a door open, and we have to take this opportunity.”
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