NORWAY MARKED THE one-month anniversary of the double massacre in Oslo and on Utoya island with a memorial service yesterday.
Mourners and emergency services workers joined top politicians and dignitaries to remember the 77 people who died in the attacks on July 22.
Norway’s King Harald told crowds “Freedom is stronger than fear,” while a specially reunited a-ha performed and lists of the dead were read out as pictures of their faces were shown on large screens.
Local heroes a-ha gave a once-off performance of 1988 hit Stay on These Roads, whose lyrics include the lines ‘We shall meet / I know / Stay on / My love’.
Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg told his nation that he was stopping the clock to remember the dead – he received a standing ovation, according to Reuters.
He said the country will welcome home those who have strayed, but will oppose anyone who resorts to violence.
The Prime Minister pledged too that security in the country would be tightened, a sign that the country’s traditional openess may become the latest casualty of the tragedy.
King Harald also acknowledged that the last four weeks have been hard for all of Norway, but said the nation would surmount the pain, writes The Telegraph.
Before the concert, flowers were laid at Oslo’s cathedral.
The BBC reports that the concert came after survivors and relatives of the victims visited Utoya island last Friday and Saturday.
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