Perth vigil for tsunami victims

as posted here

CHALPAT SONTI
October 9, 2009
Perth's Samoan community was supposed to celebrate this weekend. Instead they will mourn.

In the wake of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that killed about 170 people in their homeland last month, Samoans based in WA will get together on Sunday to remember the victims, who include members of their own families.

And they hope the wider WA community joins them.

Sunday is traditionally called "White Sunday" in Samoa, an annual event celebrating young people.

But this year, it would be "tainted with sadness", said Reverend Konelio Tali, of the Samoan Congregational Church of Perth.

"Many villages in Samoa will not be celebrating White Sunday because of the tsunami," he said.

"This is because many children have been killed while many are still unaccounted for, while at the same time many parents who have lost their children will not be celebrating White Sunday due to their own loss."

Reverend Tali's Gosnells-based church will hold a tribute to the memory of the children who lost their lives, with a collection to aid villages affected by the disaster.

The service will take place at the Uniting Gosnells Church, Hicks St, from 11am.


as posted here