Europe Observes Moment of Silence for Tsunami Victims
From Italian ski resorts to the streets of Stockholm, many in Europe paused for three minutes of silence Wednesday at noon in tribute to the victims of the Dec. 26 earthquake and tsunami
From Italian ski resorts to the streets of Stockholm, many in Europe paused for three minutes of silence Wednesday at noon in tribute to the victims of the Dec. 26 earthquake and tsunami, which killed nearly 150,000 people across 12 countries in South Asia.
Church bells rang out across Europe before shoppers, mass transit and stock exchanges paused for three minutes at noon to remember those killed—including hundreds if not thousands of European tourists who lost their lives when paradise beaches were swamped by the raging waters of the Indian Ocean.
Flags flew at half-mast across the continent, as buses, trams and subway trains temporarily halted service in several cities. TV and radio stations interrupted normal programs with special broadcasts, and shoppers were asked to take a moment's pause.
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At Europe's busiest airport, London's Heathrow, all takeoffs and landings were suspended for five minutes to not disturb the silence, the Associated Press reported. Pilots were told not to taxi or even start their engines.
Similar scenes were played out across the continent, including in relatively impoverished central European countries—many of which joined the EU this year or are hoping to in the near future.
In Rome, hundreds gathered outside the town hall, many with tears in their eyes, as bells tolled in several nearby churches, AP reported.
"It's right to participate in this commemoration because it is a tragedy that involves everyone," city council employee Barbara Battani told AP.
At the Spanish Steps in central Rome, tourists and shoppers stood in respect.
Pope John Paul II voiced support for the silent memorial, and asked Christians to pray for the populations stricken by Asia's tsunami disaster at an audience in the Vatican.
"Once more, I ask all to join my prayers for the many dead and for the populations in grave difficulties," he said during his weekly audience.
According to Agence France-Presse, Europe's silent commemoration was called for by the current Luxembourg presidency of the European, who has called an impromptu meeting of the 25-member bloc's foreign ministers on Friday to coordinate EU aid efforts.
