Nation Mourns 209 People Killed By Bushfires

It was a national day of mourning this Sunday to remember the victims of Victoria deadly 2009 bushfires:

VICTORIAN communities devastated by bushfires will rebuild and Australia will never forget the dead, a memorial service for the Victoria fires victims, in Melbourne has been told.

Bells sounded across Victoria to open the ceremony, and dignitaries laid flowers at a wreath to honor the 209 people who died in Australia’s worst natural disaster.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said people had experienced unspeakable suffering in the fires and vowed that every year on February 7 Australian flags would fly at half mast.

“In recent days we have witnessed unspeakable suffering. We have lost mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers. We have lost brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, the tiniest of children, family and friends and neighbours,” Mr Rudd said.

“All these are precious lives. No words can provide solace for grief so personal. But simply know this. You who suffer are not alone.  [News.com]