Set The Truth Free

Eight years ago I was flicking through the TV channels looking for something to watch when I came across a film starring James Nesbitt. I love anything with James Nesbitt so I settled in for a night of entertainment. The film told the story of a Civil Rights march gone horribly wrong on January 25th 1972, resulting in the deaths of 14 people, and wounding of another 15, at the hands of a Parachute Regiment of the British Army.

This story was not entertaining. It was heartbreaking. And most appallingly it is a true story. At 16 I had no idea that I would be living in the place where those events unfolded. Bloody Sunday happened right here in Derry, and 38 years on those who were injured, their families, and the families of those who were killed heard their long awaited apology.

Today the Saville inquiry into the events of Bloody Sunday was published, and the victims, accused of being armed with guns and bombs by the earlier Widgerowu inquiry, were finally vindicated.

"There is no doubt. There is nothing equivocal. There are no ambiguities. What happened on Bloody Sunday was both unjustified and unjustifiable. It was wrong.

The families of those who died should not have had to live with the pain and hurt of that day – and a lifetime of loss. Some members of our Armed Forces acted wrongly. The Government is ultimately responsible for the conduct of the Armed Forces. And for that, on behalf of the Government – and indeed our country – I am deeply sorry." David Cameron, PM.