The only thing we own is this breath “- Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet

The only thing we own is this breath "- Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet

Ten years have passed since an earthquake in the Indian Ocean, one of the most powerful ever recorded, Boxing Day 2004, the rise to tsunami waves that reached

Today we remember all the bands that was torn apart ten years ago.

Stefan Löfven

coasts, particularly in several southeast Asian countries. Around 230,000 people died and 543 of them were Swedes. On Boxing Day there was a Swedish memorial ceremony on a beach in Khao Lak, Thailand, the tourist town where most Swedes lost their lives. Around 500 Swedes were present, among them several who themselves lost a relative in water masses.

True Barr Heather, whose two teenage sons Max and Martin Pajuste killed in the tsunami, spoke during the ceremony. She quoted a poem by former Bishop Martin Lönnebo.

– To be human is fragility. The only thing we own is this breath. But that’s life.

After around an hour-long ceremony was placed 543 burning candles in the sand, one for each Swedish died.

The government’s representative during the ceremony was Åsa Regnér (S) , child elderly and Gender Equality. In Sweden there is no official memorial for tsunami victims, but before the ceremony started, Åsa Regnér that such could be set up.

– Such a step will be taken, says Åsa Regnér said.

The government has its last meeting of the year on Tuesday and according to Åsa Regnér the government can appoint an investigator in consultation with family members to take up a proposal for a memorial somewhere in Sweden.

– As perceived as worthy, relevant, and that in a good way honor the memory of those who lost their lives in the tsunami, says Åsa Regnér said.

Several Asian countries whose shores were in the tsunami’s path also commemorated the memory of the victims. The worst affected area was Aceh, Indonesia, the country where at least 170,000 died and 500,000 were left homeless.

– This field was covered with thousands of corpses, said Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla in his speech at the official memorial ceremony in Banda Aceh, capital of Aceh province.

– We felt confusion, shock, sadness, fear. But then we came back, with extraordinary help from the rest of Indonesia and elsewhere in the country, continued Jusuf Kalla, according to AFP.

Cold also praised with the support and assistance that came from both abroad and locally in Indonesia.

Many people also visited the mass graves where many of the Indonesian victims rests. During the tenth day visit also large numbers of people the mass graves where many of the 170,000 Indonesians who fell victim to the wave rests.

In Sweden was conducted memorial services in several different directions. In Uppsala Cathedral held a national memorial service where the King, the Queen, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel attended.

From government came Prime Minister Stefan Löfven (S) and several other ministers. Archbishop Antje Jackelén preached.

– Tsunami disaster has left scars on the face of the earth and in people’s lives. Wrath has come and gone off and on, while also healing has occurred. Where are they whose lives were abruptly ended. They are available in memories and carried in the hearts. They are available in the revaluation as many have done, that community means much more than chasing after all sorts of existence. They are with God, said Archbishop.

Stefan Löfven speaking in the church, saying among other things that by loving someone binds to a strong bond.

– Bands to others who can do so terribly hurt when they break. Today we remember all the bands that was torn apart ten years ago, said Stefan Löfven.