Speech at Remembrance Ceremony

Your Majesties,
Your Royal Highnesses,
Dear friends, 

In the hours and days that followed the events of 22 July, we were one nation.
United –
First in shock and despair.
Then in an unyielding determination to defend the humanity and diversity that are the hallmark of our way of life –
The openness and trust that characterise our society.

We are gathered here today, one year later, in the knowledge that we can truly pull together when we have to.

The perpetrator took many lives.
Causing great suffering.

The bombs and bullets were intended to change Norway.
The Norwegian people responded by reasserting our values.

The perpetrator failed to achieve what he set out to do.
The people triumphed.

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We are here today to honour the memory of the 77 people who were killed.
Eight of them here in the government office complex.

Those who died on 22 July last year were not looking for danger.
On the contrary.
They were living the way we choose to live in Norway.
Some were walking along the street.
Others were at work.
Many were attending a youth summer camp.

Death struck brutally and without warning.

For a year now, children have mourned at the grave of a mother or father.
Fathers and mothers have wept by the empty bed of a beloved son or daughter.

And thousands of others – siblings, grandparents, friends and colleagues – have felt loss and despair.

It has truly been a difficult year.

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The tragedy has dominated the public debate every day since it happened.
Not least as regards what went right and what went wrong.
This is a necessary and important debate.
In order to learn.
And prevent such a tragedy happening again.

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Today it is important for us to remind each other that love is eternal.

Life’s flame has been extinguished.
And the pain will always be there
But no one can take the warm memories away from you.

A father’s reassuring hand.
The sounds from a child’s playroom.

The memories of goodness and joy cannot be erased.

The 22^nd of July will always be associated with those who lost their lives.
We will remember our loved ones who died with gratitude.

And we will be there for those of you who were injured.
Those of you who suffered both visible and invisible wounds.

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We have not forgotten the promise we made each other a year ago.
We will see those of you who are struggling, both in our immediate circle and beyond.
Who are having difficulty coping with everyday life.
Who are still grieving.

We will not forget you when the long days of summer give way to autumn darkness.
It could be a neighbour, a colleague or a classmate.
Reach out.
Show that you care.

A chat about everyday things could help someone regain their will to live.

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The past year has taught us how precious life is.
And how fragile.

Suddenly it is over.
Then it is too late.

We must be grateful for all the good moments we have.

The trips we make.
The meals we share.
The talks and the silence.

Let us promise each other today that we will honour the dead by celebrating life.