Canada has designated Jan. 8 National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters. To be marked annually, the special day was prompted by the first anniversary on Friday of the deaths of 176 people, including 55 Canadians, when Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was shot down by Iran.
“This national tragedy represents one of the worst loss of Canadian lives in civil aviation history and as a country, nearly one year later, we continue to remember those who were lost, and stand in solidarity with the people they loved,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who added that Canada is committed to seeking a “comprehensive and credible explanation” and full accountability from Iran for the disaster.
Trudeau noted that Canada has also experienced prior aviation tragedies, including Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 and Air India Flight 182.
In order to continue to pay tribute to the victims of all air disasters, “both at home and abroad, and to acknowledge the profound loss of the victims’ families and loved ones,” Trudeau said Jan. 8 has been designated as a national day of remembrance.
“Together, we will always remember these tragedies, and we will keep those who were lost in our thoughts and in our hearts,” he said. “We will never forget them.”