João Pereira Silva argues that the Assistance Disaster should be marked with official acts

Praia, Apr 4 (Inforpress) - Homeland freedom fighter João Pereira Silva argues that 20 February, the day when hundreds of Cape Verdeans lost their lives waiting for a single meal of the day, should be marked with official acts.

He argues that every year Cape Verdeans should remember this ‘sad day’ because, he said, hundreds of people died after the wall collapsed in the place where they went to get the only hot meal of the day.

He argues that the dead of that fateful 20 February should be honoured by laying flowers at the monument in honour of the victims, as well as an official ceremony in Parliament.

With regard to the preservation of memories, he cited the example of the Slavery Memorial in France, where every year personalities, particularly from the various Afro-descendant parties and organisations, ‘go there to lay wreaths and sometimes even the French President goes there to make a speech’.

LC/ZS

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