Today marks the fifth anniversary of the multiple suicide bombings on July 7, 2005, that killed 52 people in London. The terror attacks occured on three subway cars and a bus.
"It was a dreadful day, but it is also a day that will remain, I believe, a symbol of the enduring bravery of the British people," Prime Minister David Cameron told the House of Commons, according to an Associated Press report.
A day before the London bombing anniversary, Queen Elizabeth II of England visited the World Trade Center site, where the 9/11 Memorial is being completed to pay tribute to the 2,982 lives lost on Sept. 11. She was greeted by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who serves as chairman of the 9/11 Memorial; 9/11 Memorial President Joe Daniels and others. It was the queen’s first visit to the site, also known as ground zero, and it was her first trip to New York City since 1976
The Queen's presence at the site of the 9/11 attacks and today's anniversary of the London bombings underscores that terrorism can occur on any continent, in any city or community. But born from these atrocities on America's East Coast and London was a shared resolve. Both cities and their leaders have pledged to combat terrorism and intolerance.
Daniels, who spoke briefly with the queen on her tour of the site, once said of the London bombings:
"That day was a horrible reminder of what we experienced here in New York City on September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993. In the wake of the London bombings, many did whatever they could to show support for the British, just as the world community had done for Americans after 9/11. As the U.S. Army band played God Save the Queen in Washington, DC, condolence messages, tributes, and flowers were left at British embassies and consulates around the world. Our thoughts and prayers centered on the victims, their families, and the survivors. It hit home that the acts perpetrated in London were an assault on all those who treasure the freedom to live without fear."
In the coming months, the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks will be recognized. Spend today remembering those who died in terroristicacts in London. Visit the UK's official website, and learn more about the permanent memorial built in Hyde Park honoring the victims of the July 7, 2005, bombings. The memorial is comprised of 52 stainless steel pillars, representing each victim.
By Michael Frazier, Sr. Communications Manager for the 9/11 Memorial
