The Industrial Workers of the World Ireland Branch took part in this years annual Bloody Sunday March for Justice in Derry as the city marked the 50th anniversary since the event took place.
This year we were honoured to have fellow workers from different parts of the country as well as from other international IWW branches such as Northumbria IWW IWW Belgium and IWW London.
A local representative of the IWW Ireland Branch reflected on what was a historic occasion for the relatives of those murdered on Bloody Sunday and for the people of Derry stated: "Today is a sad and very emotional day for everyone in Derry. As a revolutionary union our members felt it important to mark this occasion by participating on the March for Justice. We did so knowing that we would walk along with thousands of others, together remember all those killed on Bloody Sunday as well as those injured on the day.
"As a union, it's important for us to highlight that the majority of those murdered by the state on Bloody Sunday were card carrying members of the union movement of this city. Let no one be fooled. Those murdered were innocent unarmed civilians taking part in a peaceful demonstration against internment. A policy that was introduced by the British State, they demanded the release of those loved ones rounded up and to call an end to the policy of internment itself.
"In turn the state unleashed British Army special forces, in way of the Parachute Regiment, onto the streets of Derry. A battled hardened group, already bloodied from similar massacres in other countries. The result of which left 14 innocent people dead, with many more badly injured and a population collectively traumatised.
"A half century later the relatives for all those killed continue to demand justice, all these years later. For many, the March for Justice has been a vehicle not just for Bloody Sunday itself, but for many other important campaigns. Over the years it has given a platform or a voice to others, so that they too could demand justice and highlight their issues to the world. A number of social justice issues to the Birmingham Six, Leonard Pelter, MOVE prisoners, the Guildford Four to Mumia Abu Jamal. Today we have similar calls for solidarity from other miscarriages of justice cases such as the Craigavon Two which our union marched together with, with their relatives in solidarity today. Our banner carried with it the IWW motto 'an injury to one is an injury to all'.
"Despite the bad weather, it did not deter the many thousands from near and far who marched along with us to demand justice for those killed on Bloody Sunday."
The 50th anniversary March for Justice was one of the largest Bloody Sunday demonstrations witnessed in the city for many years. Speakers on the platform expressed solidarity with everyone who attended from across the country, and throughout the world who travelled for this historic occasion.
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