July 7 bombings memorial unveiled in Hyde Park
Wonderful ThingsThis is the stunning £1million memorial unveiled today to commemorate the victims of the 7/7 terrorist bombings.
Relatives of the 52 victims of the July 7 bombings have marked the fourth anniversary of the attacks with the unveiling of a memorial commemorating their loved ones in Hyde Park.
They were joined by the Prince of Wales, Gordon Brown and other political leaders as the nation remembered those killed and injured in the atrocities on London’s transport network in 2005.
The monument honouring the dead and costing nearly £1 million has been created in Hyde Park in central London – 52 stainless steel columns, or stelae, 11.5ft (3.5m) tall.
Each one is unique and they have been grouped together in four clusters, reflecting the separate locations of the bombings – Tavistock Square, Edgware Road, King’s Cross and Aldgate.
Four suicide bombers detonated their rucksack devices near these locations on the morning of July 7 2005, killing the 52 and injuring hundreds of others, some seriously.
A stainless steel plaque naming all those who died has also been erected at the memorial site between the park’s Lover’s Walk and Park Lane.
Saba Mozakka, 28, one of six relatives on the memorial’s project board which helped create the monument, said: “We think it is truly incredible and reflects the importance of the people commemorated.”
Mr Johnson said: “This memorial echoes the steely determination shown by Londoners in the days following the bombings.”
We have done much to make London safer, but today reminds us that London’s strength ultimately lies with its people.
There was a relaxed atmosphere in Hyde Park before the unveiling ceremony began.
A 10-pieces brass ensemble from the Guildhall School of Music played while the sun shone before showers sent people scurrying under trees for shelter.