A daughter of 'disappeared' victim Jean McConville said she was overwhelmed by the public's support at a vigil in Belfast for relatives still waiting for news on where their loved ones are buried.
Helen McKendry and husband Seamus were among those who attended a special Mass at St Mary's in Chapel Lane in the city centre on Saturday before highlighting the plight of other Disappeared families outside the City Hall.
Jean McConville, who was abducted in December 1972, was among nine people the IRA admitted kidnapping, killing and secretly burying.
Despite several digs, the bodies of five victims have yet to be recovered.
Mrs McConville's were found on a Co Louth beach in August, ending an almost 31-year wait endured by her surviving 10 children.
She was finally laid to rest last month when her remains were returned to the streets from which she was abducted before being buried alongside her husband Arthur in Lisburn.
In October the family of Charlie Armstrong (57), who was not on the Disappeared list but is believed to have been murdered by the IRA, decided to launch their own search of land in Iniskeen, Co Monaghan.
However, the latest excavation for the father-of-five, who was last seen walking to Mass on August 16 1981, was called unsuccessful and was called off.
A recent dig for the remains of Columba McVeigh (17), from Co Tyrone, who was abducted in 1975, also proved fruitless.
The pictures of the missing three victims were among those erected at the vigil outside the city hall, which was also attended by the family of Gareth O'Connor.
The Armagh man disappeared in May this year and the police believe he was abducted and murdered by the IRA.
Last night (Sunday) Mrs McConville's son-in-law Seamus McKendry said that around 1,200 signatures were gathered on Saturday as part of a petition which will be delivered to Sinn Féin.
"My daughter had a rough count, which was about 1,200 signatures gathered between 12-6 pm on Saturday. That is absolutely fantastic," he said.
"It (the vigil) was to give people an opportunity, to give them a chance to voice their opinion and support. We intend to hand this petition to Sinn Féin at some point in the near future."
Mr McKendry said he was surprised by the response, particularly from young people.
"It was a very cold day and we can't believe people's support. The response from the young was very encouraging," he said.
"Kids you wouldn't think would be aware, were so aware.
"They wanted to know why these people were executed and disappeared," Mr McKendry said.
