A minute’s silence marks Tunisia attack anniversary
THE first anniversary of the Tunisia terror attacks which killed 38 people in a beach massacre was marked by a minute’s silence on Monday.
On June 26 last year, 38 people, including Blackwood carer Trudy Jones, were killed in a beach massacre in the Tunisian resort town of Sousse when gunman Seifeddine Rezgui opened fire in the coastal resort of Port El Kantaoui.
Rezgui was shot dead by police after carrying out the attack, for which terror group Islamic State claimed responsibility.
To pay respects to those who lost their lives and those who were affected by the attack, a minute’s silence was held at noon on Monday, in government buildings across the UK and in British embassies overseas.
Mrs Jones, a 51-yearold carer from Blackwood, who was described as the ‘rock’ of her family, was among those who died in the attack.
Paying tribute at the time of her death, her family said: “Always willing to help others, she loved everyone around her including all of the people she cared for at work.
“She’ll be missed by so many people. She was the rock of our family and kept us all going.”
Mathew James, a fatherof-two from Pontypridd, risked his life to save part- ner Saera Wilson during the attack and used his body as a human shield to protect her.
He was hit in his stomach and chest – missing vital organs by millimetres – as the gunman opened fire.
Mathew received hospital treatment and has now recovered and was recently awarded the St John Life Saving Medal at a special ceremony at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff.
On Sunday, 38 white roses were laid on the beach and locals gathered at the site of the seaside massacre for a minute’s silence and placed flowers on the sand representing each victim.
The 15-minute long emotional ceremony was attended by around 50 people - including hotel workers and local people who had tried to help victims of the attack in which 30 British nationals were killed.
Traditional Tunisian buglers started the minute’s silence and representatives from embassies in the country laid a wreath next to a temporary plaque on the beach.
The minister for North Africa, Tobias Ellwood, travelled to Tunisia for the service and held meetings with officials from the country’s government.
He said: “As we mark the first anniversary of the horrific terrorist attack in Sousse, we remember the 38 people brutally mur- dered, including 30 British nationals.
“A year on, we keep in our thoughts and prayers the family and friends who lost loved ones, those who were injured and others who witnessed this horrendous attack.
“We continue to work closely with Tunisia to enhance security and support economic development and reform.
“Tunisia will not stand alone in the face of the terrorist threat and the UK will be by its side.” A special memorial service was held at Westminster Abbey in April for survivors and the victims’ friends and families.
Prince Harry laid a wreath at the Innocent Victims Memorial on behalf of the Queen and delivered a reading during the service, which was conducted by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, and attended by David Cameron.