Thousands gathered on Saturday, November 28, to commemorate Heroes Day 2009 in an outpouring of grief in Sydney.
A series of artistic and visual tributes, including a spectacular centre piece display carrying the symbols of Tamil Eelam set behind commemorative tombstones, illuminated Parramatta Park amid an atmosphere of reflection and resolve as over 2000 members of the Diaspora paid tribute to the fallen soldiers of the liberation movement and reaffirmed their commitment to the establishment of Tamil Eelam.
The sister of LTTE Political head B. Nadesan, along with family of Colonel Amuthap lit the flame of sacrifice to mark the event, which featured songs, poetry and a series of provocative dramas portraying the horrors of Mullivaiykal and the sacrifices made by the fallen soldiers throughout the struggle.
Organized by the Tamil Coordinating Committee (TCC), the event began at 6:30 with a minutes silence before an hour long anjali commenced as members of the public offered flowers and prayer to the fighters who have laid down their lives for the pursuit of freedom.
Tamil author and academic Murugar Gunasingham called upon global powers to recognize their complicity in the carnage and immense civilian casualties that took place during the final phases of the military onslaught, citing Pakistan, China, India and Iran as collaborators who "hastened the mechanisms of genocide upon the entire Tamil nation".
Bringing the Tamil liberation struggle into historical context, Gunasingham cited the redemption of Nelson Mandela in the eyes of the world from political antagonist to national hero, suggesting a similar reprieve awaited LTTE leader as the continued suffering of thousands of Tamil civilians detained by Sri Lankan armed forces becomes apparent.
Citing the formation of Israel and the role of the global Jewish Diaspora as the “building blocks of the nation’s success”, he reaffirmed the need for continued vigilance and commitment by the global Tamil community in the face of immense adversity.
An emotional 4 part drama portraying the level of sacrifice and bravery displayed by the liberation fighters amid the suffering and carnage was punctuated by large scale choreography and outdoor lighting that transformed the park into a living prop used to depict the Vanni landscape during the latter stages of the conflict.
Notable Tamil Nadu politician and president of the Tamil Nationalist Movement Nedumaran was scheduled to address the audience, however was denied a visa by the Australian Government at the last moment.
