HUNDREDS paid their respects to the victims of the Asian tsunami disaster on Sunday at a special civic service.
And Mayor Sir Robin Wales has announced that he and his colleagues will give up a day's pay to help the aid efforts. The council may make this an annual event to help the sufferers from disasters across the globe.
Culture Minister Tessa Jowell joined residents and senior local figureheads at West Ham United's stadium in Upton Park to pay tribute to the relief efforts underway.
The hour-long service saw people of all faiths listen to readings from representatives of Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist and Christian backgrounds. There was also music and a two-minute silence.
Sir Robin, one of the speakers, said: "Newham is the most multicultural and diverse community on the face of the planet. When something happens that affects one of our communities it affects all of our communities.
"We are all part of one planet and all part of one humanity. The size and scale of the disaster shocked us all. I offer my deepest sympathy to all of the communities affected by this terrible event."
He said collection points for the disaster fund had been set up in libraries and local service centres across Stratford and Newham.
Ms Jowell said: "I struggle to find the words to describe our feelings after the terrible events of three weeks ago, with destruction and despair that we have never seen in peace time before.
"There will be very much more to do and say in due course but for now, we continue to grieve, continue to remember and continue to hope."
Also at the service were civic ambassador Cllr Pat Holland, council chief executive Dave Burbage, local councillors, East Ham MP Steve Timms and West Ham MP Tony Banks. Cllr Neil Wilson hosted the service.
