Saturday, April 17, 2010

Poland set for memorial service for plane crash victims

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to take part in a memorial service in Poland for the 96 victims of last weekend's plane crash.

The crash killed Polish President, Lech Kaczynski, and several key public figures, including the heads of all three of Poland's armed forces.

Each victim will be represented by a huge photograph at the outdoor service.

There are fears the Icelandic eruption may stop foreign leaders from flying in for Mr Kaczynski's funeral on Sunday.

Huge crowds are expected for the four-hour service in Warsaw's Pilsudski Square - Warsaw's largest open-air square - due to begin at noon (1000 GMT).

The city authorities have banned alcohol sales on Saturday and laid on free transport and parking to make it easier for people to attend.

Pilsudski Square is the traditional location for such public events. It is where Pope John Paul II celebrated a mass service during his first pilgrimage to his homeland in 1979.

Volcanic ash

Large TV screens have been set up in the square and an adjacent park which is expected to be full of people as well.

A mass on a specially designed stage in the shape of a staircase will be celebrated by Polish bishops and the Vatican envoy, Cardinal Angelo Sodano.

After the mass in the square on Saturday, the coffins of Mr Kaczynski and his wife Maria, who have been lying in state in the presidential palace since Tuesday, will be taken to nearby St John's Cathedral, before being taken to Krakow after an overnight vigil. 

Source : http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8626683.stm

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