In what is now being described worldwide as “an absolute tragedy”, the California Irish community and remaining J1 students are showing solidarity by fighting the good fight and respecting their poor unfortunate comrades who horrifically lost their lives yesterday morning when an overhead balcony collapsed, instantly killing four and another two subsequently on the way to and in hospital.
The Ireland and Dublin flag can be seen hanging from every angle of Berkeley today.
Government and Public buildings have all lowered their flags to half mast – something of extreme gravitas itself.
The entire Irish-American community have felt the shock of this tragedy. California has implemented emergency counselling services for family, friends and even other J1 students who happen to be in the vicinity.
The Major of Berkeley has said “we will do everything we can to help everyone concerned with this terrible, terrible situation”.