“Seventy-seven precious lives were lost. Many people were permanently injured. Many have wounds that cannot be seen,” said Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg.
More than 6 000 guests attended the ceremony. Bereaved families and survivors and their relatives were invited, along with rescue workers from the health service, the police, the fire and rescue services, the armed forces, the civil defence and voluntary organisations, as well as individuals who took part in the rescue effort and those who have been involved in the follow-up work in the ministries. In addition, representatives of the Labour Youth League and the Labour Party were invited. Representatives of the Norwegian authorities were also present.
The King and Queen attended, along with the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, Princess Märtha Louise, Ari Behn and Princess Astrid. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark also attended. In addition, the presidents of Finland and Iceland and the prime ministers of all the Nordic countries were present. The ceremony was broadcast live on several national television channels.
“The national memorial ceremony is being held to commemorate the dead, support each other and thank all those who helped both during and after the attacks on the government offices in Oslo and Utøya,” said Prime Minister Stoltenberg.
Please visit the official commemoration website for more information.