“Lac-Mégantic 2023: a time to remember, support each other, tell each other. This is what is written on luminous stars that citizens are preparing to shine during a silent and luminous march which will begin tonight at 1:14 a.m. This is the exact time at which a train derailed and exploded in its city center 10 years ago, leaving 47 dead in its wake.
The time to reflect has begun in Lac-Mégantic. Four days of commemorations are planned, starting Wednesday.
During the night of July 5 to 6, citizens will parade in silence through the streets of this small municipality in the Eastern Townships, whose downtown was reduced to ashes by the explosion of a crude oil convoy in 2013.
Citizens expressed a desire for sober commemorations to mark the 10th anniversary. “A summer of comfort for the population,” the city said.
Among the wishes expressed, that of this walk, “to pay tribute to the life of those who lost it ten years ago. »
Before kick-off, the doors of the Sainte-Agnès church in Lac-Mégantic will be open to offer those who wish it a place of contemplation and prayer.
On Thursday morning, a commemorative mass will be celebrated in this church whose forecourt overlooks the railway that crossed the city a decade ago.
Many dignitaries and politicians — including Prime Ministers François Legault and Justin Trudeau — are expected at this red-brick place of worship, near the Lac-Mégantic memorial. As with previous commemorations of the train disaster, church bells will ring in tribute.
Concerts are scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Friday’s will take place at the Musi-Café, a place that has become the emblem of the tragedy.