Freedom of the City is a Beacon of Hope for the Children of Chernobyl
Dear Friends
Today is one of the proudest days of my life, this afternoon I will graciously accept the Freedom of the City of Cork on my own behalf but more than that, I accept it gladly on behalf of all the victims and survivors of the world’s worst nuclear disaster that, even 30 years later, is still an unfolding tragedy.
The Freedom of Cork City Award is a beacon of hope for the victims of Chernobyl. I will also accept the Award on behalf of all our wonderful volunteers. I salute you all, you are the life blood of our organisation, our charity, Chernobyl Children International. The Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr. Chris O’Leary and Cork City Council are to recognise Chernobyl Children International for our humanitarian endeavours and championing of the victims of the 1986 Chernobyl Nuclear disaster.
This proud Award proclaims loudly: that the City of Cork, its citizens and public representatives, and by extension the people of Ireland, that we reach out beyond our city, our country and say to you, the people who still suffer because of the consequences of Chernobyl that you are in our thoughts and prayers and on this 30th Anniversary of that tragedy. It says we will continue to do whatever we can to alleviate your suffering particularly the suffering of the innocent children that they are not forgotten!