A Sunshine Coast son has shared the words of his murdered parents with the world “so their voices could still be heard” at a trial into the downing of Flight MH17.
Seven years after the atrocity, Matthew Horder has delivered an emotional and courageous address via video-link to judges at the Dutch trial, which families of the 298 victims hope will finally deliver them justice.
Matthew, 46, who is vice-president and a former Nippers chairman at Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club, told the court the crime that cost him his beloved parents Howard, 63, and Susan Horder, 62, had coloured all aspects of his life and he would never forgive Russia and those responsible.
He and his Melbourne-based brothers, Adam and David, gave their victim impact statements Wednesday night revealing their immeasurable loss and anger.
For Matthew, it was important to let the world know what amazing people his parents were.
“I would like to share with you some words from both my mother and father,” he told the court.
“It is important to me that I read out what they have said as they cannot be here for themselves. Their voice can still be heard here in court, even in their death.
“In 2010, on Dad’s 60th birthday, we had a special day with the immediate family to celebrate together. Dad gave a great speech, as only dad could, and I would like to share a small part with you.
In speaking about his milestone and his future in retirement, his father had said:
“What’s in store for the future: hopefully enjoying good health and enjoying participating in the growth and development of our grandchildren Sophie and Josh and travelling both in the caravan and overseas where possible.”
Matthew also shared his father’s tips on life, which he had aired at his party.
These included:
- “Take calculated risks – you never get ahead without taking some risks
- Being too conservative is negative
- Don’t become a workaholic
- Get balance between work and family
- And always take holidays.”
Matthew said his parents were terrific grandparents and they loved to travel.
“They lived up to dad’s words and enjoyed life at every opportunity,” he said.
Matthew also read part of a letter his mum wrote to his father “in her beautiful handwriting” when they had just started seeing each other in 1969.
“In it she says ‘we’ll have to get together again. I don’t know about you, but I enjoyed it the other night. It was fun just talking, laughing I should say, even though Dad went out looking for us and nearly had the police on our tail’.”
Matthew said their love for each other was evident at this time and for always.
“(It was) a union that would last to the end, some 42 years. It is a small comfort that mum and dad were taken together, as there was no mum without dad, no Howard without Susan. Mum and dad had a partnership in every sense. Rarely in disagreement and always consistent in their thinking and decision making. They stood by each other in all facets on life.
“I am forever grateful for the 39 years I got with my parents but grieve for the lives that were denied at the hands of the Russian Government. My heart breaks knowing that my parents never got to fully live their retirement. For their age, they were fit and healthy and full of life. This crime has shattered and devastated our family.
“I miss my parents every day, however there is nothing that can be done to bring them back. It is vitally important that those responsible are held to account and that the criminal proceedings are fully completed through to the end.
“I will never understand why this has happened to me and my family and whilst I do not have high expectations, I sincerely hope that it never happens again.”
The Malaysia Airlines flight was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it was brought down by a surface-to-air-missile over eastern Ukraine where rebels were fighting government forces. A total of 298 people were killed, including 80 children and 38 Australians.
Three Russians and a Ukrainian are accused of downing MH17 and murdering all those on board. The most senior, Igor Girkin, had been commanding Russian-backed separatists in the area.
The trial continues.
