On Tuesday, city officials and members from the Saint John Police Force and Saint John Fire Department held a half-masting and wreath-laying ceremony to honour the 21 men who died on June 21, 1977, in what is known as the Saint John jail fire.
It was on this day 45 years ago that flames broke out at the old Saint John police lock-up, which was located in City Hall.
Mayor Donna Reardon said a few words and led a moment of silence before the wreath was laid.
“These are those tragic anniversaries that are so difficult because for many people it only feels like yesterday when you remember it, but in a lot of ways it seems like forever ago, and in some ways, it seems like only yesterday.”
“There are some loses that you just don’t get over and I find with a tragic lose that’s a hard one and a tough one to get over, it’s one of those days where you just don’t want to think about it because it all comes back,” added Reardon.
The wreath was laid down by Betsy Hill, who lost a family member in the tragic event.
It had 21 roses, one for each of those who died and the families they left behind.
