Canada India Foundation (CIF).

One by one, they solemnly lit candles, silently prayed and sadly announced the names of each of the victims in one of the most violent attacks in India's history.

About 1,500 people converged on the International Centre in Mississauga yesterday to remember the 174 who died -including two Canadians - and the 230 wounded, and to stand together against terrorism, vowing never again.

While it started as a rare joining of forces between Canada's Indo-Canadian and Jewish communities, the mourners came from all backgrounds, religions and political stripes, all touched by the sorrow of last month's 60-hour siege of Mumbai that has hit so close to home and heart.

"We stand together to show our support to each Indian back home. Today, I request each one of you to spread the word of peace," 13-year-old Leon Tandon of Milton said in a speech, to thunderous applause.

The steady line of those who took part in the candlelit vigil in the packed hall included a woman who lost her husband in the 9/11 terrorist attack, a man who lost his wife in the Air India bombing, a police chief, numerous politicians and religious groups and everyday people wanting to pay their respects.

"I'm here because I wanted to join these people and to stand on guard against these barbaric attacks," said Subash Kumar, who brought his son, Sahil, 14, to the memorial.

"I have been affected by terrorism back in Kashmir, and it brings my memories alive," he said, noting his family fled to Canada 15 years ago.

The afternoon started with a boy singing the national anthems of Canada and India, and everyone was handed the flags of both countries. It was followed by non-denominational prayers and several speeches denouncing the act of terrorism that shocked the world.

It is suspected a Muslim militant group, Lashkar-e-Taiba, carried out the three-day attack on several sites across the city of 18 million including the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, the scene of much of the bloodshed.

"People came here today from all faiths and backgrounds," said Liberal MP Ujjal Dosanjh (Vancouver South), the keynote speaker.

"We owe it to future citizens to make this a better place," he added.

But perhaps the children said it best in the poetry they recited, describing their dreams of peace and hope around the world.

"Peace is to live in harmony. Peace is to not murder. Do you want peace?" asked one girl, to which the audience shouted an unequivocal "Yes" in response.

"Please, can you keep it peaceful for us kids?" asked her little sister.

One of the children said she was sad for a friend at her school, who "lost a cousin that day. We all just want to live in peace."