Source: Team_Talk
Anfield pays its respects
Rafa Benitez and the entire first-team squad joined families and fans at Anfield in marking the 21st anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.[LNB] Prior to the memorial service - remembering the 96 fans who lost their lives in the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest - Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher were presented with commemorative coins bearing the names of all 96 victims.[LNB]Proceeds from the sale of the coins will go to the Hillsborough Family Support Group.[LNB]Although the crowd did not match the staggering number which turned out last year, the Kop was almost full for the one-hour service.[LNB]Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge performed one of the readings and 96 candles were lit and 96 red balloons released to remember each one of the victims.[LNB]However, the biggest reaction was generated by the address of Margaret Aspinall, chairman of the Hillsborough Family Support Group.[LNB]This year is particularly significant as it has seen work start by the Hillsborough Independent Panel, which will oversee the release of documents not previously made public.[LNB]Aspinall said she hoped this would help lift the "blanket" which she claimed had been "put over Hillsborough" in the wake of the tragedy.[LNB]"After 21 years the families deserve apologies from everybody. I have seen those families on their knees," she said, prompting one of several standing ovations.[LNB]"There was a blanket put over Hillsborough and that blanket has to be removed and we are determined to have it lifted."[LNB]Earlier Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has stressed the importance of the annual service for everyone at the club and in the wider community.[LNB]"Since I've been here it's always been very, very emotional," said the Spaniard, who attended his sixth service.[LNB]"All the players and all the staff are always there trying to support the families because it is a very important day for the club.[LNB]"The first time I went to the memorial service I was so impressed by what happens at this club. You can see the people and all the feelings.[LNB]"It's a poignant occasion to keep everyone remembering."[LNB]The Bishop of Liverpool and chairman of the Hillsborough Independent Panel, the Right Reverend James Jones, said he hoped the victims' families would finally be given closure on the event.[LNB]"What has struck me already in listening to the families and survivors is their need to simply have the story told fully," he told liverpoolfc.tv.[LNB]"What prevents anybody from being able to move on is when you feel the whole story has not been told.[LNB]"What I hope, through the maximum disclosure of these documents, is that the fullest story will be told and that will help everybody who grieves and who survived.[LNB]"When you know what has happened is in the public domain, and everybody knows what happened, that helps you to come to terms with such a terrible tragedy."[LNB]Burnley manager and former Forest defender Brian Laws said memories of the day are still vivid.[LNB]"It is as fresh in my mind today as it was then. I can recall everything - even more so. I think more about it," he said.[LNB]"Even though it was such a long time ago, people have never forgotten what happened and never will."[LNB]
