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Prince Charles unveils memorial to 52 victims of 7/7
Terry Kirby07.07.09
As the rain beat down they stood, some in tears, clutching each other for support.
Others sought solace by resting their foreheads against the roughly textured steel columns that form the memorial to those killed in the 7 July attacks. Some ran their fingers over the surfaces, sensing the people they represent.
The families and survivors of the bombings gathered to show that the victims will never be forgotten with the opening of the “The London Bombings Memorial” in Hyde Park.
The structure is made up of 52 stainless steel pillars to represent those who lost their lives during the Tube and bus bombings four years ago today.
Prince Charles led dignitaries including Gordon Brown, Boris Johnson, David Cameron and Nick Clegg.
But the real focus was on the families, still coming to terms with their loss.
Elizabeth Nicholson, sister of Jennifer, 24, who died at Edgware Road, summed up her feelings towards the new memorial, saying: “I like the way they stand tall as though the people are still there looking down on us.
“The fact that they have imperfections just seems to represent the individual people somehow.”
Charles told the crowd: “The date of the London bombings is etched vividly on all our minds, as a brutal intrusion into the lives of thousands of people.
“Tragically, as we know, some were not so fortunate as to walk away from what happened on that awful day, and it is them that we seek to honour.”
He also praised the “resilience and fortitude of the British people” and said it was their indomitable spirit, together with the commitment and compassion of the emergency services, that got the country through 7 July and the days that followed. “Everyone has their own way in responding to trauma, grief, injury and bereavement, but I do pray that all those touched by violence everywhere will eventually find peace again,” he said.
They were followed by relatives of the 52, who placed red or white roses at either side of the plaque.
The memorial, designed by London architects Carmody Groarke consists of stainless steel pillars, each 11ft 6in tall, which form a series of interlocking groups symbolising the four different attacks: King's Cross, Aldgate, Edgware Road and Tavistock Square. Each is inscribed with the time, date and location of the incidents.
The memorial was designed, in consultation with members of the families of five victims with advice from Antony Gormley.
Carolyn Cutmore, 26, from Windsor, the best friend of Carrie Taylor, 24, who died in the Aldgate bomb, said: “I think they are fantastic. They just fit in so well in this location in the park. They are rustic standing stones that are just going to be here forever.”
Ken Livingstone was among the 700 invited guests. He praised the striking design, saying: “I think it's just exactly right. Often, it's very difficult to do something like this and get it right, but I think everyone has done a great job.”
Among those present was Garri Holness, 42, who lost a leg at King's Cross. He became one of the most prominent survivors of the attack until it was revealed he had been jailed for seven years for taking part in the rape of two schoolgirls more than 20 years ago.
Reader views (8)
Melvyn Windebank: you should be renamed Windebag. First, you are not a Londoner, you are from Essex. As for the repellant ex-mayor Livingstone: he is painly supporter of IRA & muslim personages. As the judge Mrs Justice Rafferty said so rightly in her sentencing against muslim persons: If you choose to live in this country, you abide by its laws.
- Tinkerbelle, london
A lovely memorial.
Very fitting, standing proud.
I still wonder how so many people who hate this country, a free one, want to destroy it even though they are being given everything to make it comfortable to live here while they smirk at their imagined "enemy".
- Jack, Surrey, England
This should be the headlines, not the showbiz money event that is the Michael Jackson ceremony.
The British Media should be ashamed pushing this into the background.
- Sandy, London
Give it a rest Melvyn, it's sad that you feel that it is appropriate to use the reporting of this remembrance of a tragic event to push your halfwit political views.
- Ian, London
Ken Livingstone, the man who welcomed IRA terrorists to tea at County Hall, back in the GLC days !!!
I'm a Londoner born and bred and I can assure you, Livingstone never reflected my views, especially when he invited the gay hating Muslim cleric to London, and welcomed him with open arms.
The revolting, anti semetic, hypocritical, bully should never be let near a microphone again.
- Shelly, London
There are countless memorials all over London recognising inhabitants who have died for whatever reason. They are usually quiet and reserved yet is just a monstrosity, which sums up post-Diana's death Britain!
What about Londoners who died in IRA outrages, where's their memorial?
Londoner's don't need expensive pieces of shiny metal to remind them what has happened in their city; they do not forget and they move on. the trouble is the born and bred Londoner is ceasing to exist.
- Mark, South-East London
This memorial should also serve as a stark reminder of the Agenda held dear by radical muslims who are unlikely to be deflected from similar acts of terrorism in the future.
- Alan, Essex
This event happened the day after London had won the right to stage the 2012 Olympics and London went from Joy to sadness overnight. But given Londons history us Londoners have had plenty of experience to cope with this type of event.
One question about to days ceremony was why was there no speech from the Mayor of London?
One of the best speeches Former Mayor Ken Livingstone has ever made was his reply to this tragety and act of murder on London. Of course Ken has the great advantage of being a Londoner born and bred and so know what Londoners feel like inside.
But why was Boris not asked to speak on behalf of Londoners its as though no-one felt they could trust him to say the right words?
- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex
