Around 60,000 braved the rain and wind to attend the July 22nd Memorial Concert on the Oslo City Hall Square Sunday evening, in honour of the victims and survivors of the terrorist attacks.
The concert was arranged by the Government, and was free to the public. Members of the Government and the Royal Family were present.
In addition to the large number of top Norwegian artists, backed by the Norwegian Broadcasting Orchestra, American rock legend Bruce Springsteen backed by band partner Steven Van Zandt, offered the well known “We shall overcome,” which he dedicated to the families who had lost loved ones. He said they were honoured to have been included in the program, and said they were sending out a prayer for a peaceful future for Norway.
Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg ended his speech to the large crowd by saying that time had come thank all those who have helped during this difficult year:
- His Majesty the King, who wept together with his people.
The whole Royal Family, who were truly there when we needed them most.
- It is time to thank the volunteers.
The rescue workers and the emergency services.
- All the young people who have taken care of each other.
Employees in the ministries.
- All of you who have dealt with the trial with dignity and calm.
And there ae countless more, Stoltenberg said:
Teachers, health personnel, priests, imams and all of you who have supported a neighbour, colleague, friend or relative.
When we consider the sum of our collective effort, we can look ahead to the future with hope and faith. Hope that those who are still struggling will find comfort.
Faith in the power of community, tolerance and decency.
We have been honouring the memory of the 77 people who lost their lives all day throughout the country. This has been a day of sadness, but also a good day. Good because we have promised to keep their dreams alive. And to tell the happy stories.
The 22nd of July will be your day in all the years to come. A day to honour the memory of those who died. And a day to reflect on the fragility of life. The terrible events last summer brought home to us the transience of life.
It can suddenly be over. None of us knows when. None of us knows who. We must show love and compassion while we have the gift of life.
Enjoy the beauty of a rose. The subtle nuances of music. The warmth of friends.
And the Prime Minister concluded: Let us honour the dead by celebrating life.
(NRK/Press release)(Photo Dagsavisen)
