MEMORIAL SERVICE TO HONOR THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN BAGHDAD ON AUGUST 19TH

(September 19, 2003)

With flowers and tears, solemn words and lighted candles, the United Nations family gathered in the great hall of the General Assembly today, exactly one month after a terrorist's bomb destroyed UN headquarters in Baghdad, to pay tribute to its fallen and renew allegiance to the principles of altruism guiding the world body. "They form a roll call of heroes that would be the envy of any nation," Secretary-General Kofi Annan declared, standing beneath the very flag - now damaged - that had flown above the UN compound in Iraq on 19 August when the massive blast killed 22 people, including Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello.

The following are photos from today's memorial service:

Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Mrs. Nane Anann entering the General Assembly Hall preceded a line of Security Officers, at the start of the Memorial Service. (UN Photo #UNE4064 by Evan Schneider)

A musician plays at today's memorial service. (UN Photo #UNE4067 by Evan Schneider)

Memorial service being held in the General Assembly hall today. ceremony. (UN Photo #UNE4071 by Evan Schneider)

Secretary-General Kofi Annan (left) being saluted by UN Security officers at today's memorial service. (UN Photo #UNE4072 by Evan Schneider)

A family member lighting a candle for one of the victims of the August 19th bombing in Baghdad. (UN Photo #UNE4075 by Evan Schneider)

Family members and friends of the 23 victims holding encased United Nations flags, presented to them by the Secretary-General at today's memorial service. (UN Photo #UNE4076 by Evan Schneider)


 

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