SPEECH OF SAS PRESIDENT - Jorgen Lindegaard

Dear relatives, dear friends, distinguished guests Today, one year after the tragic morning of October 8th we are here to remember the the 118 lives that were lost - men, women and children – the lives of those so dear to you. Among them were the crew of flight SK686. The pain you have suffered seems impossible to bear, and it cannot be put into words how big the sufferings have been. Therefore I would have understood if coming here today has been difficult for some of you, fearing that the moment of confrontation would tear you apart. The more thankful I am that you came, and I hope you can feel our sincere wish to ease your pain. Looking around me I believe we could not have chosen a better place than Bosco dei Faggi – a place where we can find comfort and peace, a sheltered place where all of us, the citizens of Milan, visitors young and old can come to remember and to contemplate. For those unable to visit regularly, we hope that just knowing that a place exists that is dedicated to your loved ones, may provide some comfort. Many centuries ago, there was a tradition in the Nordic lands to raise monuments – known as bauta stones – in places where significant events had taken place. We at Scandinavian Airlines have chosen to find inspiration in that very same tradition by donating to the families the sculpture located at the centre of the park. This monument serves that same purpose: to show it did happen, they were here, the died here and they will be remembered. The monument has been named “Borderless Sorrow” – two words that capture what we all feel; words that bring us together beyond our backgrounds, our countries and our cultures. Three stones lean on each other for support – just as we all need support from one another. Today’s memorial ceremony does not mark the end of the mourning process. The loss you have suffered has changed your lives forever. And it has changed my life, too. This place will remain yours. It will be a place where you and the others can come to pay respect to the victims, feel close to them, or perhaps put some of your own burden down for a while. The stones seem strong enough to carry a lot. I hope – and so do all my colleagues at Scandinavian Airlines – that knowing this will be of some comfort to you. Thank you.