Today, Sunday a national memorial ceremony was held to remember those who died in the Government buildings and at Utøya, and to honour the victims and all those who helped during and after the July 22nd attacks.
The ceremony took place at the Oslo Spektrum indoor arena. Only invited guests were present.
Bereaved families, survivors and others directly affected by the attacks had been invited, along with rescuers, health care personnel and others who contributed during and after the attacks.
Public broadcaster NRK produced the memorial ceremony and also distribute the programme to other broadcasters.
The ceremony, hosted by NRK’s Haddy N’jie, included performances by some of Norway’s leading artists and actors, plus contributions from our neighbouring countries, Sweden and Denmark. Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg and His Majesty King Harald V of Norway spoke.
Among the guests were: The Norwegian Royal family, H.R.H. Princess Victoria, the Swedish Crown Princess, H.R.H. Prince Fredrik, the Danish Crown Prince, the presidents of Finland and Iceland, the prime ministers of all the Nordic countries, the Norwegian government, members of the Norwegian parliament and the diplomatic corps.
The program opened with a song by Susanne Sundfør "Mitt lille land" (My tiny countrry), before His Majesty King Harald, visibly moved, spoke:
- These past four weeks have been heavy for us all. But just then it is good to be together. My thoughts have been especially with those who have been directly affected by the terrorism, and with those of you who have lost someone you love.
- As father, grandfather and and spouse I can only sense some of your pain. As this country's King I feel with each one of you.
- I wish today to repeat what I said the day after the tragedy: - I hold on to the belief that freedom is stronger than fear.
- I hold on to my faith in a Norwegian democracy and community life.
- I hold on to my faith in our possibilities to llive free and secure in our own country.
The King's speech was followed by The Norwegian Radio Orchestra and Leif Ove Andsnes: Mozart’s piano concert no. 23, 2nd movement. Conductor Nick Davies.
Among the top Norwegian artists were also the grpup "A-ha" which had been re-united for the memorial ceremony.
The memorial ceremony ended with a speech by Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg:
Today we are stopping the clock to remember the dead.
We are doing so as one nation.
Together we lost what we could not, and should not, lose. - 77 lives.
Together we defeated hatred.
Together we are embracing openness, tolerance and fellowship.
- We have cried together with you who were forced to say a last goodbye at the graveside.
We commiserate with those of you who cannot forget the images, the sounds and the smells of that black Friday.
- Every candle has warmed. Every thought has comforted. Every rose has given hope.
- We are a small country. But a proud people.
Stoltenberg went on to list several things that need to be adressed, but went on:
- We must do all of this. But we need something even more important. We need you.
No matter where you live.
No matter what god you worship.
Each and every one of us can take responsibility.
Each and every one of us can guard our freedom.
Together we make an unbreakable chain of solidarity, democracy, safety and security.
- That is our protection against violence, the Prime Minister concluded.
His speech was followed by Sissel Kyrkjebø who sang ”Til ungdommen” (For the Youth) by Norwegian poet Nordahl Grieg, accompanied by The Norwegian Radio Orchestra.
This song has been much used at funeral services and memorial gatherings for the victims of the July 22nd terrorist acts. It starts: "Kringsatt av fiender, gå inn i din tid!" (Encircled by enemies, now enter your moment in time!).
(NNRK/Press release)
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