Swissair families meet Nova Scotians
Last Updated: Saturday, September 4, 1999 | 8:43 AM ET
CBC News
A commemorative gathering was held in Halifax on Thursday evening to mark the first anniversary of the Swissair crash.
When the MD-11 crashed off Peggy's Cove, 229 people died.
The event brought together family members of the victims with the people who participated in the recovery operation in Nova Scotia last year.
The gathering was a chance for everyone involved to share their feelings of sympathy and gratitude to one another. Prime Minister Jean Chretien extended his condolences on behalf of Canada.
The U.S. President, Bill Clinton, pledged to make the skies safer -- his letter was read by Jane Garvey, the head of the Federal Aviation Agency.
Myron Ratnavale of Geneva also took part in the ceremony. He lost his parents in the crash of Flight 111.
After Ratnavale read a list of agencies and individuals involved in the aftermath of the disaster -- the Swissair families rose and gave them a standing ovation -- while volunteers in the audience wiped away tears.
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