Church vigil after anger at lack of SAR tribute
A vigil will be held at St John's Anglican Cathedral today for US attack victims after criticism over the lack of an official act of remembrance in the territory.
Father Frank Nelson said people had been invited to use the cathedral to pray and grieve over the attack. He said it was up to the Government to decide whether to sanction a public gathering.
'But I suspect the moment for that has gone because even tomorrow's service feels a bit late . . . the initial numbness has faded,' he said yesterday.
Hong Kong art dealer Eric Smulders helped to publicise the vigil by handing out 1,000 flyers in Central yesterday.
'It is disgraceful that Hong Kong has not done anything - as the Chinese say, we need to save face,' he said. 'The world is becoming a very unsafe place and the whole world should make a stand against this criminality.'
American Chamber of Commerce vice-president Anne Forrest said on Saturday she was surprised by the lack of public services, especially as Hong Kong made no silent tribute on Friday, unlike many parts of the world. 'London, Paris and so on managed it, so why not Hong Kong?'
Father Nelson said the number of parishioners at weekday services had increased since last Tuesday's attack from six to 30.
'People have been shocked and numbed and concerned about the reaction of President Bush and the increasing war rhetoric,' he said.
Today's vigil will be held from midday until 2pm, with short services every half-hour.
Tung Chee-hwa's office said yesterday the moment the Chief Executive heard of the attacks he contacted the US Consul-General, Michael Klosson, to express his sorrow on behalf of Hong Kong. He wrote to President George W. Bush and visited the consulate to sign the condolence book.
