ABERDEEN— On July 6, 2013, a runaway train carrying Bakken crude oil derailed and exploded in the center of Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, and 47 people trapped in burning buildings perished in the inferno that followed.
This Sunday, July 5, citizens from around the Grays Harbor area will be hosting the inaugural memorial for those who were lost. The rally will be held from 3-5 p.m. at Zelasko Park, on F Street between Wishkah and Heron Streets in Aberdeen.
A letter from Jacques Gagnon of the Citizens Committee of Lac-Mégantic, will be read to update what has happened since that tragic day. A reading of the names of those lost will follow. The public will have an opportunity to express their thoughts and concerns.
This event augments a National Stop Oil Trains Week of Action taking place July 6 – 12 and is intended to call attention to the growing threat of oil trains across North America. Organizers ask the citizens of all local communities to send a clear message that the risks created by crude oil terminals are just too great.
Following the memorial, there will be music, recognition of the week-long - July 1–6 160th anniversary celebration of the Treaty of Olympia and a general celebration of the bounty of Earth.