Norway commemorates those killed in Anders Breivik's July 22 rampage
Thousands gathered in Oslo Sunday for a memorial service and concert in memory of the 77 people killed by Anders Behring Breivik on July 22.
An illuminated heart is seen during the national memorial ceremony for the victims of the two July 22 attacks that killed 77 people in Oslo and on Utoeya island in Oslo Sunday. Norway is holding a national ceremony of remembrance for the 77 victims of worst attacks on the country since World War Two.
Cornelius Poppe/Scanpix/Reuters
Oslo, Norway
Thousands of victims’ relatives and survivors of last month’s massacre by right-wing zealot Anders Behring Breivik gathered Sunday in Oslo for a memorial ceremony that sought to bring closure to Norway’s worst tragedy since World War II.
Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg said the ceremony was a way to show the country’s appreciation for those who helped in the wake of the bombing of government buildings in Oslo and the shooting spree at the island of Utøya that together killed 77 people on “that black Friday,” July 22.
The prime minister highlighted three tasks for Norwegians moving forward: taking care of those who were still mourning, meeting extremists with discourse, and creating a safe society, both through the police and through individuals safeguarding freedom.
“Together we link an unbreakable chain of care, democracy, and security,” said Mr. Stoltenberg in a speech that drew a standing ovation. “It is our protection against violence.”
