7 July 2005 London bombings memorials and services

Memorials for the July 2005 London bombings

After the 7 July 2005 London bombings, the United Kingdom and other countries have made memorials to remember people who died in the bombings. Some foreign leaders also ordered flags to be put at half-staff in memory of those dead, signed books at embassies to show that they also were sad that the attacks happened and made statements supporting British people.

Londoners in Trafalgar Square in the later part of 14 July 2005
The 7 July Memorial in Hyde Park
The London Memorial Garden set up by the City of Westminster in the Victoria Embankment Park, in remembrance of the victims of the terrorist attacks of 7 July 2005.[1]

United Kingdom change

  • The government ordered the Union Flag to be put at half-staff after the attack.[2][3]
  • On 9 July, the Bishop of London hosted prayers for the victims of the bombers during a service remembering the role of women during World War II.
  • A two-minute silence for the victims of the bombings was held on 14 July 2005 around Europe.[4]
  • On 14 July, thousands attended a memorial service at 18:00 on Trafalgar Square. After an early silence there were multiple different speakers for the next two hours. Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks speaking of London said: "It has the courage not to give terror the victory of making us angry and in our anger lose the values that make us what we are. Let that courage unite us now." Other speakers agreed with him on this.
  • A memorial service was held at St Paul's Cathedral, on 1 November 2005.[5]
  • A two-minute silence was held at 12:00 BST on 7 July 2006 across the country to remember the people who died, or who were hurt in some way by the events.[6]
  • A permanent memorial was opened by Charles, Prince of Wales on 7 July 2009, four years after the bombings, in Hyde Park, London.[7]
The memorial is often used as a place to remember the bombings on anniversaries.[8][9][10]
 
A memorial remembering the victims of the Route 30 bus during the 2005 London bombings

International change

Remembrance books change

Flag half-staffing change

  • Canada – All top government buildings and departments in Canada, including the Peace Tower, and in the United Kingdom.[13]
  • New Zealand – Prime Minister Helen Clark suggested and asked for the flags in New Zealand fly at half staff the day following the bombings.[14]
  • France – President Jacques Chirac suggested and asked for that flags in France fly at half staff for 3 days.

Moments of silence change

  • European Union – The European Parliament had a minute of silence to remember the victims of the explosions.
  • Poland – The Polish Parliament, Sejm lower house had a moment of silence.
  • Ireland – The Irish Government had a two-minute silence[15] on Thursday 14 July, at the same time as in the United Kingdom.
  • Russia – Flowers were put out at the British Embassy in Moscow as a minute of silence was followed by both staff and local people, who held hands and formed a human chain to show they had the same feelings as the British people on 8 July 2005.

Services change

References change

  1. "Bombings Memorial Garden Closes". BBC News. 20 August 2005. Retrieved 4 September 2007.
  2. "Union Flag to Fly at Half-Mast". UTV. Archived from the original on 2006. Retrieved 4 September 2007. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |archive-date= (help)
  3. "London bombings toll rises to 37". BBC News. 7 July 2005. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
  4. "Europe to Mark Tragedy With Two Minutes of Silence". The Guardian. 10 July 2005. Retrieved 4 September 2007.
  5. "Tributes Paid to Bombing Victims". BBC News. 1 November 2005. Retrieved 4 September 2007.
  6. "Nation Remembers 7 July Victims". BBC News. 7 July 2006. Retrieved 4 September 2007.
  7. "Tributes paid at 7 July memorial". BBC News.
  8. "7/7 London bombings: Mayor pays tributes to victims". BBC News. 7 July 2019. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
  9. "Mayor of London pays tribute on 15th anniversary of 7/7 bombings". itv News. 6 July 2020. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
  10. "In pictures: 7/7 remembered". BBC News. 7 July 2015. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
  11. "U.S. raises terror alert for transit systems – 7 July 2005". CNN. 7 July 2005. Retrieved 16 April 2008.
  12. "President Signs Book of Condolence at British Embassy". White House. 8 July 2005. Retrieved 16 April 2008.
  13. "Half Masting of the Flag". Canadian Heritage. 3 November 2005. Archived from the original on 5 November 2005. Retrieved 4 September 2007.
  14. "No Known New Zealand Casualties in London". tvnz.co.nz. 8 July 2005. Retrieved 4 September 2007.
  15. "Government Calls for Two Minutes Silence". Department of the Taoiseach. 12 July 2005. Retrieved 4 September 2007.
  16. "Spain Royal Guard Honours London". BBC News. 13 July 2005. Retrieved 4 September 2007.