The national memorial to the 77 victims of the July 22, 2011 terrorist attacks opened at the ferry terminal for the island of Utoya, Norway. At yesterday’s ceremony, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said he hopes the memorial will help future generations learn from the dark history.
The memorial is about 30 kilometers northwest of Oslo and consists of 77 bronze pillars – one for each fatality. The ferry departs from the pier to the island of Utoya, where right-wing terrorist Anders Behring Breivik killed 69, most of them young, nearly eleven years ago. He had already detonated a bomb in Oslo’s government district, killing eight people.
Reuters/NTB/Lise Aserud
Ceremony with name reading
In addition to the survivors, bereaved families and helpers, Crown Prince of Norway Haakon also attended the opening. “I think of you almost every day, especially on a day like today,” Store said of the survivors and bereaved, adding, “We can’t imagine the pain you are feeling.” , a minute of silence and a trumpet solo. Then the roses were placed in place.
The opening marks the end of a year-long dispute over the construction of the national memorial, which was due to be completed on the tenth anniversary of the attacks last summer. In particular, the exact location has been disputed. Even an original plan to carve a way onto a ledge in front of Utoya caused resentment and failed due to protests.
When the government finally decided in the summer of 2017 to build the site on the pier, it again provoked mixed feelings among residents. Some of them were involved in rescuing injured and shocked young people. Several neighbors complained because they feared old wounds would open. A court finally gave the green light for the construction in early 2021.