The meeting decided that the main Lockerbie commemoration should be a church service in Dryfesdale Church on December 21. This will be at three minutes past seven - the time of the disaster. Simultaneous events are likely to be taking place at the Lockerbie Cairn in Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, and Westminster Abbey in London. The possibility of satellite links between the services has been explored but is likely to be ruled out because of cost.
Lockerbie people also want the commemoration to be as apolitical as possible. They don’t want either the UK or US governments to make any capital of the event. Their priority is the bereaved families for whom it should be preserved as an opportunity for dignified remembrance.
Considerable numbers of victims relatives are expected to travel to Lockerbie for the anniversary with some making the pilgrimage for the first time. It’s likely that the Lockerbie Friendship Group which befriended grieving families when they first came to Scotland in the aftermath of the disaster will be re-formed to perform a similar role this time.
A media group has also been established.
It comprises local people who are willing to talk to the press, radio and
television. They will bear the brunt of the media attention in the
hope that townspeople who do not wish publicity will not be bothered by
reporters. Media requests for co-operation and assistance are being
filtered by the commemoration committee.
It is also taking judgmental decisions
on proposed anniversary projects. It has sanctioned co-operation
with the makers of a proposed documentary for UK Channel 4 television.
However, feature film proposals have been met with concern and book plans
by two Scottish journalists were also rejected.
The committee has no power to prevent
any individuals or organisations doing what they want but it seems clear
that some proposals will be difficult to fulfil without its co-operation.
Pressure on Lockerbie is already mounting. Film crews have been arriving all year from the States, Europe and the Far East. This can only intensify as the anniversary date approaches. Lockerbie was the reluctant focus of global media attention 10 years ago. It has little hope of avoiding an unwanted repeat this December.