The Remembering Quilt will be on display at the Boston Public Library's Boston Room in Copley
Square on the first Floor of the Johnson Building during the month of July. The Remembering
Quilt is a project that has been running for almost a decade by Belfast-based Relatives for Justice in which families who lost loved ones as a result of the conflict in Ireland make a 9-inch square in memory of their loved ones. The squares are then combined into an 8ft. x 8ft.quilted panel
consisting of 49 squares. Currently there are 8 completed quilt panels and the ninth is ongoing
with plans already underway for a 10th panel.
The project has involved several thousand participants representing approximately 430 bereaved
families to date whereby each family internally consult, design, and make their personal squares
in memory of their loved ones supported by Relatives for Justice family support staff and
volunteers. The squares often depict values, hobbies, and interests as well as professions and
trades of the deceased, providing a sense of each individual, the precious and unique life they
lived and of how they touched those closest to them. Some squares use fabric from clothing and
personal items belonging to the deceased.
The Remembering Quilt is unique in that the bereaved are empowered directly through the
medium of art and creative expression to positively and lovingly articulate lives lived, the
circumstances relating to killings, the impact that this has had on their lives and to join with many
other families similarly affected by bereavement thus ending isolation and beginning the journey
towards individual and collective healing through other Relatives for Justice support programs.
Additionally, the Remembering Quilt is an important source of community documentary and
historical record by extra-ordinary people who have suffered. It is an inspiration of self
empowerment that transcends the medium of modern day media in which the loss of life is
oftentimes merely a mention. The Quilt communicates more widely and poignantly so much more
about the awful human devastation that was at times an everyday occurrence.
The paradox is that the Remembering Quilt is a beautiful testimony of the love and dedication of
those left behind who mourn and miss their loved ones whilst equally being a symbolic reminder,
least we forget, of the human toll of our conflict and for us to collectively say never again.
Speaking in advance of the Remembering Quilt going to Boston Relatives for Justice (RFJ)
Chairperson,Clara Reilly, said:
"It is a great privilege for RFJ to be invited to the Boston Public Library to display the
Remembering Quilt at such a prestigious venue. I know that it will mean so much to all the
families involved especially given the large Irish Diaspora who live in Boston. This will provide a
great opportunity for this constituency of people to find out and learn more about those killed
during the conflict first hand via the Remembering Quilt. And we invite all the citizens of Boston to
view the Remembering Quilt.
"We are also excited with our connections to the John Joseph Moakley Chair of peace and
Reconciliation of the John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy Studies at the University of
Massachusetts Boston who have worked tirelessly to facilitate and support the event. Hopefully
our experiences through the Remembering Quilt in dealing with violence, loss, and memory can
act as a tool of empowerment, self and collective expression in terms of other communities
addressing loss and hardship through the medium of art and we look forward to engaging with
local communities whilst in Boston around these experiences and models of best practice.
"Our Remembering Quilt has its origins in the exclusive debates and civic memorials that took
place after the first ceasefires in which we had a hierarchy of victimhood whereby those killed by
the British State and through collusion were deemed to be somewhat less deserving -- if at all
deserving -- and who were at that time actively excluded from the term 'victim.' Of course the
purpose of these debates was to continue war by different means and to somehow try to justify
the unjustifiable. As our organisation sought to publicly address this exclusion, including the
accompanying hurt and insult that it caused to numerous families, we equally had to find another
way of supporting families regarding loss and memory whilst at the same time reaching out to
others also affected by the conflict to create awareness and understanding about our collective
loss irrelevant of our religion, politics or circumstances of killings in which no one bereaved was
excluded but rather included. The Remembering Quilt includes people affected by all participants
to the conflict in Ireland and has challenged very successfully the notion and hierarchy of
victimhood post conflict.
"It was in these discussions that we initiated the Remembering Quilt as it gave ownership of the
process to remember to those directly affected, was creative and facilitated expression, brought
people into contact with one another and open doors and provided further opportunities for
support and trauma recovery work. So the process was as equally important as the beautiful end
product. And this continues to be the case.
"The Remembering Quilt is a derivative of the International Aides Quilt and of the great American
quilting traditions. Indeed, in the aftermath of the American Civil War widows came together to
quilt at a time of loss and when there existed no counseling, clinical or therapeutic terms
regarding mental health and how people and communities addressed their individual and
collective trauma regarding violent bereavement. And so the sense of importance in terms of the
Remembering Quilt being displayed in Boston as part of our modern day experience of
addressing the loss during the conflict in Ireland takes on much more significance. There are
many parallels.
"Guatemalan Human Rights lawyer Frank La Rue, and friend of RFJ, on a visit to Ireland summed
up what the Remembering Quilt was to become when he said; 'Death is indeed the end of life --
but it is not the end of identity. The continuity of life lives on -- the threads of how people lived
their lives and what they did, the impact they had, and the legacies they leave live on and their
memories flow in the river of continuity and purpose of life which live on with each and everyone
of us who loved and knew them, and beyond. The worst thing that we can do is to forget those
memories and those identities.'
"The hands that embraced loved ones, wiped tears from their eyes, cradled and cared for them in
times of need -- hands that held them close, that natured and nourished them and which carried
them to their final place of rest are the very hands that made this Remembering Quilt. Their
identities and memories are cherished and we in Relatives for Justice are deeply humbled to
have been part of this important work.
We are delighted that the people of Boston, and indeed of other nearby cities, will have the
opportunity to see the Remembering Quilt during the month of July's end.
For further information please contact Relatives for Justice and/or Patricia Peterson at 617-287-5535.
Description:
The Remembering Quilt will be on display at the Boston Public Library's Boston Room in Copley
Square on the first Floor of the Johnson Building during the month of July. The Remembering
Quilt is a project that has been running for almost a decade by Belfast-based Relatives for Justice in which families who lost loved ones as a result of the conflict in Ireland make a 9-inch square in memory of their loved ones. The squares are then combined into an 8ft. x 8ft.quilted panel
consisting of 49 squares. Currently there are 8 completed quilt panels and the ninth is ongoing
with plans already underway for a 10th panel.
The project has involved several thousand participants representing approximately 430 bereaved
families to date whereby each family internally consult, design, and make their personal squares
in memory of their loved ones supported by Relatives for Justice family support staff and
volunteers. The squares often depict values, hobbies, and interests as well as professions and
trades of the deceased, providing a sense of each individual, the precious and unique life they
lived and of how they touched those closest to them. Some squares use fabric from clothing and
personal items belonging to the deceased.
The Remembering Quilt is unique in that the bereaved are empowered directly through the
medium of art and creative expression to positively and lovingly articulate lives lived, the
circumstances relating to killings, the impact that this has had on their lives and to join with many
other families similarly affected by bereavement thus ending isolation and beginning the journey
towards individual and collective healing through other Relatives for Justice support programs.
Additionally, the Remembering Quilt is an important source of community documentary and
historical record by extra-ordinary people who have suffered. It is an inspiration of self
empowerment that transcends the medium of modern day media in which the loss of life is
oftentimes merely a mention. The Quilt communicates more widely and poignantly so much more
about the awful human devastation that was at times an everyday occurrence.
The paradox is that the Remembering Quilt is a beautiful testimony of the love and dedication of
those left behind who mourn and miss their loved ones whilst equally being a symbolic reminder,
least we forget, of the human toll of our conflict and for us to collectively say never again.
Speaking in advance of the Remembering Quilt going to Boston Relatives for Justice (RFJ)
Chairperson,Clara Reilly, said:
"It is a great privilege for RFJ to be invited to the Boston Public Library to display the
Remembering Quilt at such a prestigious venue. I know that it will mean so much to all the
families involved especially given the large Irish Diaspora who live in Boston. This will provide a
great opportunity for this constituency of people to find out and learn more about those killed
during the conflict first hand via the Remembering Quilt. And we invite all the citizens of Boston to
view the Remembering Quilt.
"We are also excited with our connections to the John Joseph Moakley Chair of peace and
Reconciliation of the John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy Studies at the University of
Massachusetts Boston who have worked tirelessly to facilitate and support the event. Hopefully
our experiences through the Remembering Quilt in dealing with violence, loss, and memory can
act as a tool of empowerment, self and collective expression in terms of other communities
addressing loss and hardship through the medium of art and we look forward to engaging with
local communities whilst in Boston around these experiences and models of best practice.
"Our Remembering Quilt has its origins in the exclusive debates and civic memorials that took
place after the first ceasefires in which we had a hierarchy of victimhood whereby those killed by
the British State and through collusion were deemed to be somewhat less deserving -- if at all
deserving -- and who were at that time actively excluded from the term 'victim.' Of course the
purpose of these debates was to continue war by different means and to somehow try to justify
the unjustifiable. As our organisation sought to publicly address this exclusion, including the
accompanying hurt and insult that it caused to numerous families, we equally had to find another
way of supporting families regarding loss and memory whilst at the same time reaching out to
others also affected by the conflict to create awareness and understanding about our collective
loss irrelevant of our religion, politics or circumstances of killings in which no one bereaved was
excluded but rather included. The Remembering Quilt includes people affected by all participants
to the conflict in Ireland and has challenged very successfully the notion and hierarchy of
victimhood post conflict.
"It was in these discussions that we initiated the Remembering Quilt as it gave ownership of the
process to remember to those directly affected, was creative and facilitated expression, brought
people into contact with one another and open doors and provided further opportunities for
support and trauma recovery work. So the process was as equally important as the beautiful end
product. And this continues to be the case.
"The Remembering Quilt is a derivative of the International Aides Quilt and of the great American
quilting traditions. Indeed, in the aftermath of the American Civil War widows came together to
quilt at a time of loss and when there existed no counseling, clinical or therapeutic terms
regarding mental health and how people and communities addressed their individual and
collective trauma regarding violent bereavement. And so the sense of importance in terms of the
Remembering Quilt being displayed in Boston as part of our modern day experience of
addressing the loss during the conflict in Ireland takes on much more significance. There are
many parallels.
"Guatemalan Human Rights lawyer Frank La Rue, and friend of RFJ, on a visit to Ireland summed
up what the Remembering Quilt was to become when he said; 'Death is indeed the end of life --
but it is not the end of identity. The continuity of life lives on -- the threads of how people lived
their lives and what they did, the impact they had, and the legacies they leave live on and their
memories flow in the river of continuity and purpose of life which live on with each and everyone
of us who loved and knew them, and beyond. The worst thing that we can do is to forget those
memories and those identities.'
"The hands that embraced loved ones, wiped tears from their eyes, cradled and cared for them in
times of need -- hands that held them close, that natured and nourished them and which carried
them to their final place of rest are the very hands that made this Remembering Quilt. Their
identities and memories are cherished and we in Relatives for Justice are deeply humbled to
have been part of this important work.
We are delighted that the people of Boston, and indeed of other nearby cities, will have the
opportunity to see the Remembering Quilt during the month of July's end.
For further information please contact Relatives for Justice and/or Patricia Peterson at 617-287-5535.
Description:
The Remembering Quilt will be on display at the Boston Public Library's Boston Room in Copley
Square on the first Floor of the Johnson Building during the month of July. The Remembering
Quilt is a project that has been running for almost a decade by Belfast-based Relatives for Justice in which families who lost loved ones as a result of the conflict in Ireland make a 9-inch square in memory of their loved ones. The squares are then combined into an 8ft. x 8ft.quilted panel
consisting of 49 squares. Currently there are 8 completed quilt panels and the ninth is ongoing
with plans already underway for a 10th panel.
The project has involved several thousand participants representing approximately 430 bereaved
families to date whereby each family internally consult, design, and make their personal squares
in memory of their loved ones supported by Relatives for Justice family support staff and
volunteers. The squares often depict values, hobbies, and interests as well as professions and
trades of the deceased, providing a sense of each individual, the precious and unique life they
lived and of how they touched those closest to them. Some squares use fabric from clothing and
personal items belonging to the deceased.
The Remembering Quilt is unique in that the bereaved are empowered directly through the
medium of art and creative expression to positively and lovingly articulate lives lived, the
circumstances relating to killings, the impact that this has had on their lives and to join with many
other families similarly affected by bereavement thus ending isolation and beginning the journey
towards individual and collective healing through other Relatives for Justice support programs.
Additionally, the Remembering Quilt is an important source of community documentary and
historical record by extra-ordinary people who have suffered. It is an inspiration of self
empowerment that transcends the medium of modern day media in which the loss of life is
oftentimes merely a mention. The Quilt communicates more widely and poignantly so much more
about the awful human devastation that was at times an everyday occurrence.
The paradox is that the Remembering Quilt is a beautiful testimony of the love and dedication of
those left behind who mourn and miss their loved ones whilst equally being a symbolic reminder,
least we forget, of the human toll of our conflict and for us to collectively say never again.
Speaking in advance of the Remembering Quilt going to Boston Relatives for Justice (RFJ)
Chairperson,Clara Reilly, said:
"It is a great privilege for RFJ to be invited to the Boston Public Library to display the
Remembering Quilt at such a prestigious venue. I know that it will mean so much to all the
families involved especially given the large Irish Diaspora who live in Boston. This will provide a
great opportunity for this constituency of people to find out and learn more about those killed
during the conflict first hand via the Remembering Quilt. And we invite all the citizens of Boston to
view the Remembering Quilt.
"We are also excited with our connections to the John Joseph Moakley Chair of peace and
Reconciliation of the John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy Studies at the University of
Massachusetts Boston who have worked tirelessly to facilitate and support the event. Hopefully
our experiences through the Remembering Quilt in dealing with violence, loss, and memory can
act as a tool of empowerment, self and collective expression in terms of other communities
addressing loss and hardship through the medium of art and we look forward to engaging with
local communities whilst in Boston around these experiences and models of best practice.
"Our Remembering Quilt has its origins in the exclusive debates and civic memorials that took
place after the first ceasefires in which we had a hierarchy of victimhood whereby those killed by
the British State and through collusion were deemed to be somewhat less deserving -- if at all
deserving -- and who were at that time actively excluded from the term 'victim.' Of course the
purpose of these debates was to continue war by different means and to somehow try to justify
the unjustifiable. As our organisation sought to publicly address this exclusion, including the
accompanying hurt and insult that it caused to numerous families, we equally had to find another
way of supporting families regarding loss and memory whilst at the same time reaching out to
others also affected by the conflict to create awareness and understanding about our collective
loss irrelevant of our religion, politics or circumstances of killings in which no one bereaved was
excluded but rather included. The Remembering Quilt includes people affected by all participants
to the conflict in Ireland and has challenged very successfully the notion and hierarchy of
victimhood post conflict.
"It was in these discussions that we initiated the Remembering Quilt as it gave ownership of the
process to remember to those directly affected, was creative and facilitated expression, brought
people into contact with one another and open doors and provided further opportunities for
support and trauma recovery work. So the process was as equally important as the beautiful end
product. And this continues to be the case.
"The Remembering Quilt is a derivative of the International Aides Quilt and of the great American
quilting traditions. Indeed, in the aftermath of the American Civil War widows came together to
quilt at a time of loss and when there existed no counseling, clinical or therapeutic terms
regarding mental health and how people and communities addressed their individual and
collective trauma regarding violent bereavement. And so the sense of importance in terms of the
Remembering Quilt being displayed in Boston as part of our modern day experience of
addressing the loss during the conflict in Ireland takes on much more significance. There are
many parallels.
"Guatemalan Human Rights lawyer Frank La Rue, and friend of RFJ, on a visit to Ireland summed
up what the Remembering Quilt was to become when he said; 'Death is indeed the end of life --
but it is not the end of identity. The continuity of life lives on -- the threads of how people lived
their lives and what they did, the impact they had, and the legacies they leave live on and their
memories flow in the river of continuity and purpose of life which live on with each and everyone
of us who loved and knew them, and beyond. The worst thing that we can do is to forget those
memories and those identities.'
"The hands that embraced loved ones, wiped tears from their eyes, cradled and cared for them in
times of need -- hands that held them close, that natured and nourished them and which carried
them to their final place of rest are the very hands that made this Remembering Quilt. Their
identities and memories are cherished and we in Relatives for Justice are deeply humbled to
have been part of this important work.
We are delighted that the people of Boston, and indeed of other nearby cities, will have the
opportunity to see the Remembering Quilt during the month of July's end.
For further information please contact Relatives for Justice and/or Patricia Peterson at 617-287-5535.
Description:
The Remembering Quilt will be on display at the Boston Public Library's Boston Room in Copley
Square on the first Floor of the Johnson Building during the month of July. The Remembering
Quilt is a project that has been running for almost a decade by Belfast-based Relatives for Justice in which families who lost loved ones as a result of the conflict in Ireland make a 9-inch square in memory of their loved ones. The squares are then combined into an 8ft. x 8ft.quilted panel
consisting of 49 squares. Currently there are 8 completed quilt panels and the ninth is ongoing
with plans already underway for a 10th panel.
The project has involved several thousand participants representing approximately 430 bereaved
families to date whereby each family internally consult, design, and make their personal squares
in memory of their loved ones supported by Relatives for Justice family support staff and
volunteers. The squares often depict values, hobbies, and interests as well as professions and
trades of the deceased, providing a sense of each individual, the precious and unique life they
lived and of how they touched those closest to them. Some squares use fabric from clothing and
personal items belonging to the deceased.
The Remembering Quilt is unique in that the bereaved are empowered directly through the
medium of art and creative expression to positively and lovingly articulate lives lived, the
circumstances relating to killings, the impact that this has had on their lives and to join with many
other families similarly affected by bereavement thus ending isolation and beginning the journey
towards individual and collective healing through other Relatives for Justice support programs.
Additionally, the Remembering Quilt is an important source of community documentary and
historical record by extra-ordinary people who have suffered. It is an inspiration of self
empowerment that transcends the medium of modern day media in which the loss of life is
oftentimes merely a mention. The Quilt communicates more widely and poignantly so much more
about the awful human devastation that was at times an everyday occurrence.
The paradox is that the Remembering Quilt is a beautiful testimony of the love and dedication of
those left behind who mourn and miss their loved ones whilst equally being a symbolic reminder,
least we forget, of the human toll of our conflict and for us to collectively say never again.
Speaking in advance of the Remembering Quilt going to Boston Relatives for Justice (RFJ)
Chairperson,Clara Reilly, said:
"It is a great privilege for RFJ to be invited to the Boston Public Library to display the
Remembering Quilt at such a prestigious venue. I know that it will mean so much to all the
families involved especially given the large Irish Diaspora who live in Boston. This will provide a
great opportunity for this constituency of people to find out and learn more about those killed
during the conflict first hand via the Remembering Quilt. And we invite all the citizens of Boston to
view the Remembering Quilt.
"We are also excited with our connections to the John Joseph Moakley Chair of peace and
Reconciliation of the John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy Studies at the University of
Massachusetts Boston who have worked tirelessly to facilitate and support the event. Hopefully
our experiences through the Remembering Quilt in dealing with violence, loss, and memory can
act as a tool of empowerment, self and collective expression in terms of other communities
addressing loss and hardship through the medium of art and we look forward to engaging with
local communities whilst in Boston around these experiences and models of best practice.
"Our Remembering Quilt has its origins in the exclusive debates and civic memorials that took
place after the first ceasefires in which we had a hierarchy of victimhood whereby those killed by
the British State and through collusion were deemed to be somewhat less deserving -- if at all
deserving -- and who were at that time actively excluded from the term 'victim.' Of course the
purpose of these debates was to continue war by different means and to somehow try to justify
the unjustifiable. As our organisation sought to publicly address this exclusion, including the
accompanying hurt and insult that it caused to numerous families, we equally had to find another
way of supporting families regarding loss and memory whilst at the same time reaching out to
others also affected by the conflict to create awareness and understanding about our collective
loss irrelevant of our religion, politics or circumstances of killings in which no one bereaved was
excluded but rather included. The Remembering Quilt includes people affected by all participants
to the conflict in Ireland and has challenged very successfully the notion and hierarchy of
victimhood post conflict.
"It was in these discussions that we initiated the Remembering Quilt as it gave ownership of the
process to remember to those directly affected, was creative and facilitated expression, brought
people into contact with one another and open doors and provided further opportunities for
support and trauma recovery work. So the process was as equally important as the beautiful end
product. And this continues to be the case.
"The Remembering Quilt is a derivative of the International Aides Quilt and of the great American
quilting traditions. Indeed, in the aftermath of the American Civil War widows came together to
quilt at a time of loss and when there existed no counseling, clinical or therapeutic terms
regarding mental health and how people and communities addressed their individual and
collective trauma regarding violent bereavement. And so the sense of importance in terms of the
Remembering Quilt being displayed in Boston as part of our modern day experience of
addressing the loss during the conflict in Ireland takes on much more significance. There are
many parallels.
"Guatemalan Human Rights lawyer Frank La Rue, and friend of RFJ, on a visit to Ireland summed
up what the Remembering Quilt was to become when he said; 'Death is indeed the end of life --
but it is not the end of identity. The continuity of life lives on -- the threads of how people lived
their lives and what they did, the impact they had, and the legacies they leave live on and their
memories flow in the river of continuity and purpose of life which live on with each and everyone
of us who loved and knew them, and beyond. The worst thing that we can do is to forget those
memories and those identities.'
"The hands that embraced loved ones, wiped tears from their eyes, cradled and cared for them in
times of need -- hands that held them close, that natured and nourished them and which carried
them to their final place of rest are the very hands that made this Remembering Quilt. Their
identities and memories are cherished and we in Relatives for Justice are deeply humbled to
have been part of this important work.
We are delighted that the people of Boston, and indeed of other nearby cities, will have the
opportunity to see the Remembering Quilt during the month of July's end.
For further information please contact Relatives for Justice and/or Patricia Peterson at 617-287-5535.
Description:
The Remembering Quilt will be on display at the Boston Public Library's Boston Room in Copley
Square on the first Floor of the Johnson Building during the month of July. The Remembering
Quilt is a project that has been running for almost a decade by Belfast-based Relatives for Justice in which families who lost loved ones as a result of the conflict in Ireland make a 9-inch square in memory of their loved ones. The squares are then combined into an 8ft. x 8ft.quilted panel
consisting of 49 squares. Currently there are 8 completed quilt panels and the ninth is ongoing
with plans already underway for a 10th panel.
The project has involved several thousand participants representing approximately 430 bereaved
families to date whereby each family internally consult, design, and make their personal squares
in memory of their loved ones supported by Relatives for Justice family support staff and
volunteers. The squares often depict values, hobbies, and interests as well as professions and
trades of the deceased, providing a sense of each individual, the precious and unique life they
lived and of how they touched those closest to them. Some squares use fabric from clothing and
personal items belonging to the deceased.
The Remembering Quilt is unique in that the bereaved are empowered directly through the
medium of art and creative expression to positively and lovingly articulate lives lived, the
circumstances relating to killings, the impact that this has had on their lives and to join with many
other families similarly affected by bereavement thus ending isolation and beginning the journey
towards individual and collective healing through other Relatives for Justice support programs.
Additionally, the Remembering Quilt is an important source of community documentary and
historical record by extra-ordinary people who have suffered. It is an inspiration of self
empowerment that transcends the medium of modern day media in which the loss of life is
oftentimes merely a mention. The Quilt communicates more widely and poignantly so much more
about the awful human devastation that was at times an everyday occurrence.
The paradox is that the Remembering Quilt is a beautiful testimony of the love and dedication of
those left behind who mourn and miss their loved ones whilst equally being a symbolic reminder,
least we forget, of the human toll of our conflict and for us to collectively say never again.
Speaking in advance of the Remembering Quilt going to Boston Relatives for Justice (RFJ)
Chairperson,Clara Reilly, said:
"It is a great privilege for RFJ to be invited to the Boston Public Library to display the
Remembering Quilt at such a prestigious venue. I know that it will mean so much to all the
families involved especially given the large Irish Diaspora who live in Boston. This will provide a
great opportunity for this constituency of people to find out and learn more about those killed
during the conflict first hand via the Remembering Quilt. And we invite all the citizens of Boston to
view the Remembering Quilt.
"We are also excited with our connections to the John Joseph Moakley Chair of peace and
Reconciliation of the John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy Studies at the University of
Massachusetts Boston who have worked tirelessly to facilitate and support the event. Hopefully
our experiences through the Remembering Quilt in dealing with violence, loss, and memory can
act as a tool of empowerment, self and collective expression in terms of other communities
addressing loss and hardship through the medium of art and we look forward to engaging with
local communities whilst in Boston around these experiences and models of best practice.
"Our Remembering Quilt has its origins in the exclusive debates and civic memorials that took
place after the first ceasefires in which we had a hierarchy of victimhood whereby those killed by
the British State and through collusion were deemed to be somewhat less deserving -- if at all
deserving -- and who were at that time actively excluded from the term 'victim.' Of course the
purpose of these debates was to continue war by different means and to somehow try to justify
the unjustifiable. As our organisation sought to publicly address this exclusion, including the
accompanying hurt and insult that it caused to numerous families, we equally had to find another
way of supporting families regarding loss and memory whilst at the same time reaching out to
others also affected by the conflict to create awareness and understanding about our collective
loss irrelevant of our religion, politics or circumstances of killings in which no one bereaved was
excluded but rather included. The Remembering Quilt includes people affected by all participants
to the conflict in Ireland and has challenged very successfully the notion and hierarchy of
victimhood post conflict.
"It was in these discussions that we initiated the Remembering Quilt as it gave ownership of the
process to remember to those directly affected, was creative and facilitated expression, brought
people into contact with one another and open doors and provided further opportunities for
support and trauma recovery work. So the process was as equally important as the beautiful end
product. And this continues to be the case.
"The Remembering Quilt is a derivative of the International Aides Quilt and of the great American
quilting traditions. Indeed, in the aftermath of the American Civil War widows came together to
quilt at a time of loss and when there existed no counseling, clinical or therapeutic terms
regarding mental health and how people and communities addressed their individual and
collective trauma regarding violent bereavement. And so the sense of importance in terms of the
Remembering Quilt being displayed in Boston as part of our modern day experience of
addressing the loss during the conflict in Ireland takes on much more significance. There are
many parallels.
"Guatemalan Human Rights lawyer Frank La Rue, and friend of RFJ, on a visit to Ireland summed
up what the Remembering Quilt was to become when he said; 'Death is indeed the end of life --
but it is not the end of identity. The continuity of life lives on -- the threads of how people lived
their lives and what they did, the impact they had, and the legacies they leave live on and their
memories flow in the river of continuity and purpose of life which live on with each and everyone
of us who loved and knew them, and beyond. The worst thing that we can do is to forget those
memories and those identities.'
"The hands that embraced loved ones, wiped tears from their eyes, cradled and cared for them in
times of need -- hands that held them close, that natured and nourished them and which carried
them to their final place of rest are the very hands that made this Remembering Quilt. Their
identities and memories are cherished and we in Relatives for Justice are deeply humbled to
have been part of this important work.
We are delighted that the people of Boston, and indeed of other nearby cities, will have the
opportunity to see the Remembering Quilt during the month of July's end.
For further information please contact Relatives for Justice and/or Patricia Peterson at 617-287-5535.
Description:
The Remembering Quilt will be on display at the Boston Public Library's Boston Room in Copley
Square on the first Floor of the Johnson Building during the month of July. The Remembering
Quilt is a project that has been running for almost a decade by Belfast-based Relatives for Justice in which families who lost loved ones as a result of the conflict in Ireland make a 9-inch square in memory of their loved ones. The squares are then combined into an 8ft. x 8ft.quilted panel
consisting of 49 squares. Currently there are 8 completed quilt panels and the ninth is ongoing
with plans already underway for a 10th panel.
The project has involved several thousand participants representing approximately 430 bereaved
families to date whereby each family internally consult, design, and make their personal squares
in memory of their loved ones supported by Relatives for Justice family support staff and
volunteers. The squares often depict values, hobbies, and interests as well as professions and
trades of the deceased, providing a sense of each individual, the precious and unique life they
lived and of how they touched those closest to them. Some squares use fabric from clothing and
personal items belonging to the deceased.
The Remembering Quilt is unique in that the bereaved are empowered directly through the
medium of art and creative expression to positively and lovingly articulate lives lived, the
circumstances relating to killings, the impact that this has had on their lives and to join with many
other families similarly affected by bereavement thus ending isolation and beginning the journey
towards individual and collective healing through other Relatives for Justice support programs.
Additionally, the Remembering Quilt is an important source of community documentary and
historical record by extra-ordinary people who have suffered. It is an inspiration of self
empowerment that transcends the medium of modern day media in which the loss of life is
oftentimes merely a mention. The Quilt communicates more widely and poignantly so much more
about the awful human devastation that was at times an everyday occurrence.
The paradox is that the Remembering Quilt is a beautiful testimony of the love and dedication of
those left behind who mourn and miss their loved ones whilst equally being a symbolic reminder,
least we forget, of the human toll of our conflict and for us to collectively say never again.
Speaking in advance of the Remembering Quilt going to Boston Relatives for Justice (RFJ)
Chairperson,Clara Reilly, said:
"It is a great privilege for RFJ to be invited to the Boston Public Library to display the
Remembering Quilt at such a prestigious venue. I know that it will mean so much to all the
families involved especially given the large Irish Diaspora who live in Boston. This will provide a
great opportunity for this constituency of people to find out and learn more about those killed
during the conflict first hand via the Remembering Quilt. And we invite all the citizens of Boston to
view the Remembering Quilt.
"We are also excited with our connections to the John Joseph Moakley Chair of peace and
Reconciliation of the John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy Studies at the University of
Massachusetts Boston who have worked tirelessly to facilitate and support the event. Hopefully
our experiences through the Remembering Quilt in dealing with violence, loss, and memory can
act as a tool of empowerment, self and collective expression in terms of other communities
addressing loss and hardship through the medium of art and we look forward to engaging with
local communities whilst in Boston around these experiences and models of best practice.
"Our Remembering Quilt has its origins in the exclusive debates and civic memorials that took
place after the first ceasefires in which we had a hierarchy of victimhood whereby those killed by
the British State and through collusion were deemed to be somewhat less deserving -- if at all
deserving -- and who were at that time actively excluded from the term 'victim.' Of course the
purpose of these debates was to continue war by different means and to somehow try to justify
the unjustifiable. As our organisation sought to publicly address this exclusion, including the
accompanying hurt and insult that it caused to numerous families, we equally had to find another
way of supporting families regarding loss and memory whilst at the same time reaching out to
others also affected by the conflict to create awareness and understanding about our collective
loss irrelevant of our religion, politics or circumstances of killings in which no one bereaved was
excluded but rather included. The Remembering Quilt includes people affected by all participants
to the conflict in Ireland and has challenged very successfully the notion and hierarchy of
victimhood post conflict.
"It was in these discussions that we initiated the Remembering Quilt as it gave ownership of the
process to remember to those directly affected, was creative and facilitated expression, brought
people into contact with one another and open doors and provided further opportunities for
support and trauma recovery work. So the process was as equally important as the beautiful end
product. And this continues to be the case.
"The Remembering Quilt is a derivative of the International Aides Quilt and of the great American
quilting traditions. Indeed, in the aftermath of the American Civil War widows came together to
quilt at a time of loss and when there existed no counseling, clinical or therapeutic terms
regarding mental health and how people and communities addressed their individual and
collective trauma regarding violent bereavement. And so the sense of importance in terms of the
Remembering Quilt being displayed in Boston as part of our modern day experience of
addressing the loss during the conflict in Ireland takes on much more significance. There are
many parallels.
"Guatemalan Human Rights lawyer Frank La Rue, and friend of RFJ, on a visit to Ireland summed
up what the Remembering Quilt was to become when he said; 'Death is indeed the end of life --
but it is not the end of identity. The continuity of life lives on -- the threads of how people lived
their lives and what they did, the impact they had, and the legacies they leave live on and their
memories flow in the river of continuity and purpose of life which live on with each and everyone
of us who loved and knew them, and beyond. The worst thing that we can do is to forget those
memories and those identities.'
"The hands that embraced loved ones, wiped tears from their eyes, cradled and cared for them in
times of need -- hands that held them close, that natured and nourished them and which carried
them to their final place of rest are the very hands that made this Remembering Quilt. Their
identities and memories are cherished and we in Relatives for Justice are deeply humbled to
have been part of this important work.
We are delighted that the people of Boston, and indeed of other nearby cities, will have the
opportunity to see the Remembering Quilt during the month of July's end.
For further information please contact Relatives for Justice and/or Patricia Peterson at 617-287-5535.
Description:
The Remembering Quilt will be on display at the Boston Public Library's Boston Room in Copley
Square on the first Floor of the Johnson Building during the month of July. The Remembering
Quilt is a project that has been running for almost a decade by Belfast-based Relatives for Justice in which families who lost loved ones as a result of the conflict in Ireland make a 9-inch square in memory of their loved ones. The squares are then combined into an 8ft. x 8ft.quilted panel
consisting of 49 squares. Currently there are 8 completed quilt panels and the ninth is ongoing
with plans already underway for a 10th panel.
The project has involved several thousand participants representing approximately 430 bereaved
families to date whereby each family internally consult, design, and make their personal squares
in memory of their loved ones supported by Relatives for Justice family support staff and
volunteers. The squares often depict values, hobbies, and interests as well as professions and
trades of the deceased, providing a sense of each individual, the precious and unique life they
lived and of how they touched those closest to them. Some squares use fabric from clothing and
personal items belonging to the deceased.
The Remembering Quilt is unique in that the bereaved are empowered directly through the
medium of art and creative expression to positively and lovingly articulate lives lived, the
circumstances relating to killings, the impact that this has had on their lives and to join with many
other families similarly affected by bereavement thus ending isolation and beginning the journey
towards individual and collective healing through other Relatives for Justice support programs.
Additionally, the Remembering Quilt is an important source of community documentary and
historical record by extra-ordinary people who have suffered. It is an inspiration of self
empowerment that transcends the medium of modern day media in which the loss of life is
oftentimes merely a mention. The Quilt communicates more widely and poignantly so much more
about the awful human devastation that was at times an everyday occurrence.
The paradox is that the Remembering Quilt is a beautiful testimony of the love and dedication of
those left behind who mourn and miss their loved ones whilst equally being a symbolic reminder,
least we forget, of the human toll of our conflict and for us to collectively say never again.
Speaking in advance of the Remembering Quilt going to Boston Relatives for Justice (RFJ)
Chairperson,Clara Reilly, said:
"It is a great privilege for RFJ to be invited to the Boston Public Library to display the
Remembering Quilt at such a prestigious venue. I know that it will mean so much to all the
families involved especially given the large Irish Diaspora who live in Boston. This will provide a
great opportunity for this constituency of people to find out and learn more about those killed
during the conflict first hand via the Remembering Quilt. And we invite all the citizens of Boston to
view the Remembering Quilt.
"We are also excited with our connections to the John Joseph Moakley Chair of peace and
Reconciliation of the John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy Studies at the University of
Massachusetts Boston who have worked tirelessly to facilitate and support the event. Hopefully
our experiences through the Remembering Quilt in dealing with violence, loss, and memory can
act as a tool of empowerment, self and collective expression in terms of other communities
addressing loss and hardship through the medium of art and we look forward to engaging with
local communities whilst in Boston around these experiences and models of best practice.
"Our Remembering Quilt has its origins in the exclusive debates and civic memorials that took
place after the first ceasefires in which we had a hierarchy of victimhood whereby those killed by
the British State and through collusion were deemed to be somewhat less deserving -- if at all
deserving -- and who were at that time actively excluded from the term 'victim.' Of course the
purpose of these debates was to continue war by different means and to somehow try to justify
the unjustifiable. As our organisation sought to publicly address this exclusion, including the
accompanying hurt and insult that it caused to numerous families, we equally had to find another
way of supporting families regarding loss and memory whilst at the same time reaching out to
others also affected by the conflict to create awareness and understanding about our collective
loss irrelevant of our religion, politics or circumstances of killings in which no one bereaved was
excluded but rather included. The Remembering Quilt includes people affected by all participants
to the conflict in Ireland and has challenged very successfully the notion and hierarchy of
victimhood post conflict.
"It was in these discussions that we initiated the Remembering Quilt as it gave ownership of the
process to remember to those directly affected, was creative and facilitated expression, brought
people into contact with one another and open doors and provided further opportunities for
support and trauma recovery work. So the process was as equally important as the beautiful end
product. And this continues to be the case.
"The Remembering Quilt is a derivative of the International Aides Quilt and of the great American
quilting traditions. Indeed, in the aftermath of the American Civil War widows came together to
quilt at a time of loss and when there existed no counseling, clinical or therapeutic terms
regarding mental health and how people and communities addressed their individual and
collective trauma regarding violent bereavement. And so the sense of importance in terms of the
Remembering Quilt being displayed in Boston as part of our modern day experience of
addressing the loss during the conflict in Ireland takes on much more significance. There are
many parallels.
"Guatemalan Human Rights lawyer Frank La Rue, and friend of RFJ, on a visit to Ireland summed
up what the Remembering Quilt was to become when he said; 'Death is indeed the end of life --
but it is not the end of identity. The continuity of life lives on -- the threads of how people lived
their lives and what they did, the impact they had, and the legacies they leave live on and their
memories flow in the river of continuity and purpose of life which live on with each and everyone
of us who loved and knew them, and beyond. The worst thing that we can do is to forget those
memories and those identities.'
"The hands that embraced loved ones, wiped tears from their eyes, cradled and cared for them in
times of need -- hands that held them close, that natured and nourished them and which carried
them to their final place of rest are the very hands that made this Remembering Quilt. Their
identities and memories are cherished and we in Relatives for Justice are deeply humbled to
have been part of this important work.
We are delighted that the people of Boston, and indeed of other nearby cities, will have the
opportunity to see the Remembering Quilt during the month of July's end.
For further information please contact Relatives for Justice and/or Patricia Peterson at 617-287-5535.
Description:
The Remembering Quilt will be on display at the Boston Public Library's Boston Room in Copley
Square on the first Floor of the Johnson Building during the month of July. The Remembering
Quilt is a project that has been running for almost a decade by Belfast-based Relatives for Justice in which families who lost loved ones as a result of the conflict in Ireland make a 9-inch square in memory of their loved ones. The squares are then combined into an 8ft. x 8ft.quilted panel
consisting of 49 squares. Currently there are 8 completed quilt panels and the ninth is ongoing
with plans already underway for a 10th panel.
The project has involved several thousand participants representing approximately 430 bereaved
families to date whereby each family internally consult, design, and make their personal squares
in memory of their loved ones supported by Relatives for Justice family support staff and
volunteers. The squares often depict values, hobbies, and interests as well as professions and
trades of the deceased, providing a sense of each individual, the precious and unique life they
lived and of how they touched those closest to them. Some squares use fabric from clothing and
personal items belonging to the deceased.
The Remembering Quilt is unique in that the bereaved are empowered directly through the
medium of art and creative expression to positively and lovingly articulate lives lived, the
circumstances relating to killings, the impact that this has had on their lives and to join with many
other families similarly affected by bereavement thus ending isolation and beginning the journey
towards individual and collective healing through other Relatives for Justice support programs.
Additionally, the Remembering Quilt is an important source of community documentary and
historical record by extra-ordinary people who have suffered. It is an inspiration of self
empowerment that transcends the medium of modern day media in which the loss of life is
oftentimes merely a mention. The Quilt communicates more widely and poignantly so much more
about the awful human devastation that was at times an everyday occurrence.
The paradox is that the Remembering Quilt is a beautiful testimony of the love and dedication of
those left behind who mourn and miss their loved ones whilst equally being a symbolic reminder,
least we forget, of the human toll of our conflict and for us to collectively say never again.
Speaking in advance of the Remembering Quilt going to Boston Relatives for Justice (RFJ)
Chairperson,Clara Reilly, said:
"It is a great privilege for RFJ to be invited to the Boston Public Library to display the
Remembering Quilt at such a prestigious venue. I know that it will mean so much to all the
families involved especially given the large Irish Diaspora who live in Boston. This will provide a
great opportunity for this constituency of people to find out and learn more about those killed
during the conflict first hand via the Remembering Quilt. And we invite all the citizens of Boston to
view the Remembering Quilt.
"We are also excited with our connections to the John Joseph Moakley Chair of peace and
Reconciliation of the John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy Studies at the University of
Massachusetts Boston who have worked tirelessly to facilitate and support the event. Hopefully
our experiences through the Remembering Quilt in dealing with violence, loss, and memory can
act as a tool of empowerment, self and collective expression in terms of other communities
addressing loss and hardship through the medium of art and we look forward to engaging with
local communities whilst in Boston around these experiences and models of best practice.
"Our Remembering Quilt has its origins in the exclusive debates and civic memorials that took
place after the first ceasefires in which we had a hierarchy of victimhood whereby those killed by
the British State and through collusion were deemed to be somewhat less deserving -- if at all
deserving -- and who were at that time actively excluded from the term 'victim.' Of course the
purpose of these debates was to continue war by different means and to somehow try to justify
the unjustifiable. As our organisation sought to publicly address this exclusion, including the
accompanying hurt and insult that it caused to numerous families, we equally had to find another
way of supporting families regarding loss and memory whilst at the same time reaching out to
others also affected by the conflict to create awareness and understanding about our collective
loss irrelevant of our religion, politics or circumstances of killings in which no one bereaved was
excluded but rather included. The Remembering Quilt includes people affected by all participants
to the conflict in Ireland and has challenged very successfully the notion and hierarchy of
victimhood post conflict.
"It was in these discussions that we initiated the Remembering Quilt as it gave ownership of the
process to remember to those directly affected, was creative and facilitated expression, brought
people into contact with one another and open doors and provided further opportunities for
support and trauma recovery work. So the process was as equally important as the beautiful end
product. And this continues to be the case.
"The Remembering Quilt is a derivative of the International Aides Quilt and of the great American
quilting traditions. Indeed, in the aftermath of the American Civil War widows came together to
quilt at a time of loss and when there existed no counseling, clinical or therapeutic terms
regarding mental health and how people and communities addressed their individual and
collective trauma regarding violent bereavement. And so the sense of importance in terms of the
Remembering Quilt being displayed in Boston as part of our modern day experience of
addressing the loss during the conflict in Ireland takes on much more significance. There are
many parallels.
"Guatemalan Human Rights lawyer Frank La Rue, and friend of RFJ, on a visit to Ireland summed
up what the Remembering Quilt was to become when he said; 'Death is indeed the end of life --
but it is not the end of identity. The continuity of life lives on -- the threads of how people lived
their lives and what they did, the impact they had, and the legacies they leave live on and their
memories flow in the river of continuity and purpose of life which live on with each and everyone
of us who loved and knew them, and beyond. The worst thing that we can do is to forget those
memories and those identities.'
"The hands that embraced loved ones, wiped tears from their eyes, cradled and cared for them in
times of need -- hands that held them close, that natured and nourished them and which carried
them to their final place of rest are the very hands that made this Remembering Quilt. Their
identities and memories are cherished and we in Relatives for Justice are deeply humbled to
have been part of this important work.
We are delighted that the people of Boston, and indeed of other nearby cities, will have the
opportunity to see the Remembering Quilt during the month of July's end.
For further information please contact Relatives for Justice and/or Patricia Peterson at 617-287-5535.
Description:
The Remembering Quilt will be on display at the Boston Public Library's Boston Room in Copley
Square on the first Floor of the Johnson Building during the month of July. The Remembering
Quilt is a project that has been running for almost a decade by Belfast-based Relatives for Justice in which families who lost loved ones as a result of the conflict in Ireland make a 9-inch square in memory of their loved ones. The squares are then combined into an 8ft. x 8ft.quilted panel
consisting of 49 squares. Currently there are 8 completed quilt panels and the ninth is ongoing
with plans already underway for a 10th panel.
The project has involved several thousand participants representing approximately 430 bereaved
families to date whereby each family internally consult, design, and make their personal squares
in memory of their loved ones supported by Relatives for Justice family support staff and
volunteers. The squares often depict values, hobbies, and interests as well as professions and
trades of the deceased, providing a sense of each individual, the precious and unique life they
lived and of how they touched those closest to them. Some squares use fabric from clothing and
personal items belonging to the deceased.
The Remembering Quilt is unique in that the bereaved are empowered directly through the
medium of art and creative expression to positively and lovingly articulate lives lived, the
circumstances relating to killings, the impact that this has had on their lives and to join with many
other families similarly affected by bereavement thus ending isolation and beginning the journey
towards individual and collective healing through other Relatives for Justice support programs.
Additionally, the Remembering Quilt is an important source of community documentary and
historical record by extra-ordinary people who have suffered. It is an inspiration of self
empowerment that transcends the medium of modern day media in which the loss of life is
oftentimes merely a mention. The Quilt communicates more widely and poignantly so much more
about the awful human devastation that was at times an everyday occurrence.
The paradox is that the Remembering Quilt is a beautiful testimony of the love and dedication of
those left behind who mourn and miss their loved ones whilst equally being a symbolic reminder,
least we forget, of the human toll of our conflict and for us to collectively say never again.
Speaking in advance of the Remembering Quilt going to Boston Relatives for Justice (RFJ)
Chairperson,Clara Reilly, said:
"It is a great privilege for RFJ to be invited to the Boston Public Library to display the
Remembering Quilt at such a prestigious venue. I know that it will mean so much to all the
families involved especially given the large Irish Diaspora who live in Boston. This will provide a
great opportunity for this constituency of people to find out and learn more about those killed
during the conflict first hand via the Remembering Quilt. And we invite all the citizens of Boston to
view the Remembering Quilt.
"We are also excited with our connections to the John Joseph Moakley Chair of peace and
Reconciliation of the John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy Studies at the University of
Massachusetts Boston who have worked tirelessly to facilitate and support the event. Hopefully
our experiences through the Remembering Quilt in dealing with violence, loss, and memory can
act as a tool of empowerment, self and collective expression in terms of other communities
addressing loss and hardship through the medium of art and we look forward to engaging with
local communities whilst in Boston around these experiences and models of best practice.
"Our Remembering Quilt has its origins in the exclusive debates and civic memorials that took
place after the first ceasefires in which we had a hierarchy of victimhood whereby those killed by
the British State and through collusion were deemed to be somewhat less deserving -- if at all
deserving -- and who were at that time actively excluded from the term 'victim.' Of course the
purpose of these debates was to continue war by different means and to somehow try to justify
the unjustifiable. As our organisation sought to publicly address this exclusion, including the
accompanying hurt and insult that it caused to numerous families, we equally had to find another
way of supporting families regarding loss and memory whilst at the same time reaching out to
others also affected by the conflict to create awareness and understanding about our collective
loss irrelevant of our religion, politics or circumstances of killings in which no one bereaved was
excluded but rather included. The Remembering Quilt includes people affected by all participants
to the conflict in Ireland and has challenged very successfully the notion and hierarchy of
victimhood post conflict.
"It was in these discussions that we initiated the Remembering Quilt as it gave ownership of the
process to remember to those directly affected, was creative and facilitated expression, brought
people into contact with one another and open doors and provided further opportunities for
support and trauma recovery work. So the process was as equally important as the beautiful end
product. And this continues to be the case.
"The Remembering Quilt is a derivative of the International Aides Quilt and of the great American
quilting traditions. Indeed, in the aftermath of the American Civil War widows came together to
quilt at a time of loss and when there existed no counseling, clinical or therapeutic terms
regarding mental health and how people and communities addressed their individual and
collective trauma regarding violent bereavement. And so the sense of importance in terms of the
Remembering Quilt being displayed in Boston as part of our modern day experience of
addressing the loss during the conflict in Ireland takes on much more significance. There are
many parallels.
"Guatemalan Human Rights lawyer Frank La Rue, and friend of RFJ, on a visit to Ireland summed
up what the Remembering Quilt was to become when he said; 'Death is indeed the end of life --
but it is not the end of identity. The continuity of life lives on -- the threads of how people lived
their lives and what they did, the impact they had, and the legacies they leave live on and their
memories flow in the river of continuity and purpose of life which live on with each and everyone
of us who loved and knew them, and beyond. The worst thing that we can do is to forget those
memories and those identities.'
"The hands that embraced loved ones, wiped tears from their eyes, cradled and cared for them in
times of need -- hands that held them close, that natured and nourished them and which carried
them to their final place of rest are the very hands that made this Remembering Quilt. Their
identities and memories are cherished and we in Relatives for Justice are deeply humbled to
have been part of this important work.
We are delighted that the people of Boston, and indeed of other nearby cities, will have the
opportunity to see the Remembering Quilt during the month of July's end.
For further information please contact Relatives for Justice and/or Patricia Peterson at 617-287-5535.
Description:
The Remembering Quilt will be on display at the Boston Public Library's Boston Room in Copley
Square on the first Floor of the Johnson Building during the month of July. The Remembering
Quilt is a project that has been running for almost a decade by Belfast-based Relatives for Justice in which families who lost loved ones as a result of the conflict in Ireland make a 9-inch square in memory of their loved ones. The squares are then combined into an 8ft. x 8ft.quilted panel
consisting of 49 squares. Currently there are 8 completed quilt panels and the ninth is ongoing
with plans already underway for a 10th panel.
The project has involved several thousand participants representing approximately 430 bereaved
families to date whereby each family internally consult, design, and make their personal squares
in memory of their loved ones supported by Relatives for Justice family support staff and
volunteers. The squares often depict values, hobbies, and interests as well as professions and
trades of the deceased, providing a sense of each individual, the precious and unique life they
lived and of how they touched those closest to them. Some squares use fabric from clothing and
personal items belonging to the deceased.
The Remembering Quilt is unique in that the bereaved are empowered directly through the
medium of art and creative expression to positively and lovingly articulate lives lived, the
circumstances relating to killings, the impact that this has had on their lives and to join with many
other families similarly affected by bereavement thus ending isolation and beginning the journey
towards individual and collective healing through other Relatives for Justice support programs.
Additionally, the Remembering Quilt is an important source of community documentary and
historical record by extra-ordinary people who have suffered. It is an inspiration of self
empowerment that transcends the medium of modern day media in which the loss of life is
oftentimes merely a mention. The Quilt communicates more widely and poignantly so much more
about the awful human devastation that was at times an everyday occurrence.
The paradox is that the Remembering Quilt is a beautiful testimony of the love and dedication of
those left behind who mourn and miss their loved ones whilst equally being a symbolic reminder,
least we forget, of the human toll of our conflict and for us to collectively say never again.
Speaking in advance of the Remembering Quilt going to Boston Relatives for Justice (RFJ)
Chairperson,Clara Reilly, said:
"It is a great privilege for RFJ to be invited to the Boston Public Library to display the
Remembering Quilt at such a prestigious venue. I know that it will mean so much to all the
families involved especially given the large Irish Diaspora who live in Boston. This will provide a
great opportunity for this constituency of people to find out and learn more about those killed
during the conflict first hand via the Remembering Quilt. And we invite all the citizens of Boston to
view the Remembering Quilt.
"We are also excited with our connections to the John Joseph Moakley Chair of peace and
Reconciliation of the John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy Studies at the University of
Massachusetts Boston who have worked tirelessly to facilitate and support the event. Hopefully
our experiences through the Remembering Quilt in dealing with violence, loss, and memory can
act as a tool of empowerment, self and collective expression in terms of other communities
addressing loss and hardship through the medium of art and we look forward to engaging with
local communities whilst in Boston around these experiences and models of best practice.
"Our Remembering Quilt has its origins in the exclusive debates and civic memorials that took
place after the first ceasefires in which we had a hierarchy of victimhood whereby those killed by
the British State and through collusion were deemed to be somewhat less deserving -- if at all
deserving -- and who were at that time actively excluded from the term 'victim.' Of course the
purpose of these debates was to continue war by different means and to somehow try to justify
the unjustifiable. As our organisation sought to publicly address this exclusion, including the
accompanying hurt and insult that it caused to numerous families, we equally had to find another
way of supporting families regarding loss and memory whilst at the same time reaching out to
others also affected by the conflict to create awareness and understanding about our collective
loss irrelevant of our religion, politics or circumstances of killings in which no one bereaved was
excluded but rather included. The Remembering Quilt includes people affected by all participants
to the conflict in Ireland and has challenged very successfully the notion and hierarchy of
victimhood post conflict.
"It was in these discussions that we initiated the Remembering Quilt as it gave ownership of the
process to remember to those directly affected, was creative and facilitated expression, brought
people into contact with one another and open doors and provided further opportunities for
support and trauma recovery work. So the process was as equally important as the beautiful end
product. And this continues to be the case.
"The Remembering Quilt is a derivative of the International Aides Quilt and of the great American
quilting traditions. Indeed, in the aftermath of the American Civil War widows came together to
quilt at a time of loss and when there existed no counseling, clinical or therapeutic terms
regarding mental health and how people and communities addressed their individual and
collective trauma regarding violent bereavement. And so the sense of importance in terms of the
Remembering Quilt being displayed in Boston as part of our modern day experience of
addressing the loss during the conflict in Ireland takes on much more significance. There are
many parallels.
"Guatemalan Human Rights lawyer Frank La Rue, and friend of RFJ, on a visit to Ireland summed
up what the Remembering Quilt was to become when he said; 'Death is indeed the end of life --
but it is not the end of identity. The continuity of life lives on -- the threads of how people lived
their lives and what they did, the impact they had, and the legacies they leave live on and their
memories flow in the river of continuity and purpose of life which live on with each and everyone
of us who loved and knew them, and beyond. The worst thing that we can do is to forget those
memories and those identities.'
"The hands that embraced loved ones, wiped tears from their eyes, cradled and cared for them in
times of need -- hands that held them close, that natured and nourished them and which carried
them to their final place of rest are the very hands that made this Remembering Quilt. Their
identities and memories are cherished and we in Relatives for Justice are deeply humbled to
have been part of this important work.
We are delighted that the people of Boston, and indeed of other nearby cities, will have the
opportunity to see the Remembering Quilt during the month of July's end.
For further information please contact Relatives for Justice and/or Patricia Peterson at 617-287-5535.
Description:
The Remembering Quilt will be on display at the Boston Public Library's Boston Room in Copley
Square on the first Floor of the Johnson Building during the month of July. The Remembering
Quilt is a project that has been running for almost a decade by Belfast-based Relatives for Justice in which families who lost loved ones as a result of the conflict in Ireland make a 9-inch square in memory of their loved ones. The squares are then combined into an 8ft. x 8ft.quilted panel
consisting of 49 squares. Currently there are 8 completed quilt panels and the ninth is ongoing
with plans already underway for a 10th panel.
The project has involved several thousand participants representing approximately 430 bereaved
families to date whereby each family internally consult, design, and make their personal squares
in memory of their loved ones supported by Relatives for Justice family support staff and
volunteers. The squares often depict values, hobbies, and interests as well as professions and
trades of the deceased, providing a sense of each individual, the precious and unique life they
lived and of how they touched those closest to them. Some squares use fabric from clothing and
personal items belonging to the deceased.
The Remembering Quilt is unique in that the bereaved are empowered directly through the
medium of art and creative expression to positively and lovingly articulate lives lived, the
circumstances relating to killings, the impact that this has had on their lives and to join with many
other families similarly affected by bereavement thus ending isolation and beginning the journey
towards individual and collective healing through other Relatives for Justice support programs.
Additionally, the Remembering Quilt is an important source of community documentary and
historical record by extra-ordinary people who have suffered. It is an inspiration of self
empowerment that transcends the medium of modern day media in which the loss of life is
oftentimes merely a mention. The Quilt communicates more widely and poignantly so much more
about the awful human devastation that was at times an everyday occurrence.
The paradox is that the Remembering Quilt is a beautiful testimony of the love and dedication of
those left behind who mourn and miss their loved ones whilst equally being a symbolic reminder,
least we forget, of the human toll of our conflict and for us to collectively say never again.
Speaking in advance of the Remembering Quilt going to Boston Relatives for Justice (RFJ)
Chairperson,Clara Reilly, said:
"It is a great privilege for RFJ to be invited to the Boston Public Library to display the
Remembering Quilt at such a prestigious venue. I know that it will mean so much to all the
families involved especially given the large Irish Diaspora who live in Boston. This will provide a
great opportunity for this constituency of people to find out and learn more about those killed
during the conflict first hand via the Remembering Quilt. And we invite all the citizens of Boston to
view the Remembering Quilt.
"We are also excited with our connections to the John Joseph Moakley Chair of peace and
Reconciliation of the John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy Studies at the University of
Massachusetts Boston who have worked tirelessly to facilitate and support the event. Hopefully
our experiences through the Remembering Quilt in dealing with violence, loss, and memory can
act as a tool of empowerment, self and collective expression in terms of other communities
addressing loss and hardship through the medium of art and we look forward to engaging with
local communities whilst in Boston around these experiences and models of best practice.
"Our Remembering Quilt has its origins in the exclusive debates and civic memorials that took
place after the first ceasefires in which we had a hierarchy of victimhood whereby those killed by
the British State and through collusion were deemed to be somewhat less deserving -- if at all
deserving -- and who were at that time actively excluded from the term 'victim.' Of course the
purpose of these debates was to continue war by different means and to somehow try to justify
the unjustifiable. As our organisation sought to publicly address this exclusion, including the
accompanying hurt and insult that it caused to numerous families, we equally had to find another
way of supporting families regarding loss and memory whilst at the same time reaching out to
others also affected by the conflict to create awareness and understanding about our collective
loss irrelevant of our religion, politics or circumstances of killings in which no one bereaved was
excluded but rather included. The Remembering Quilt includes people affected by all participants
to the conflict in Ireland and has challenged very successfully the notion and hierarchy of
victimhood post conflict.
"It was in these discussions that we initiated the Remembering Quilt as it gave ownership of the
process to remember to those directly affected, was creative and facilitated expression, brought
people into contact with one another and open doors and provided further opportunities for
support and trauma recovery work. So the process was as equally important as the beautiful end
product. And this continues to be the case.
"The Remembering Quilt is a derivative of the International Aides Quilt and of the great American
quilting traditions. Indeed, in the aftermath of the American Civil War widows came together to
quilt at a time of loss and when there existed no counseling, clinical or therapeutic terms
regarding mental health and how people and communities addressed their individual and
collective trauma regarding violent bereavement. And so the sense of importance in terms of the
Remembering Quilt being displayed in Boston as part of our modern day experience of
addressing the loss during the conflict in Ireland takes on much more significance. There are
many parallels.
"Guatemalan Human Rights lawyer Frank La Rue, and friend of RFJ, on a visit to Ireland summed
up what the Remembering Quilt was to become when he said; 'Death is indeed the end of life --
but it is not the end of identity. The continuity of life lives on
The Remembering Quilt on Display at the BPL