Remember July 7th 2005: The London Bombings

I know we are only a couple hours from witnessing what is likely to be the most epic match of the entire World Cup (Spain vs. Germany), but I feel it is necessary to redirect our attention from Durban to London for a few moments to remember what happened 5 years ago today. The London Bombings on July 7th 2005 that took the lives of 52 men and women, also injuring 700 people.

AFR contributor Saf Hossain referenced Ken Livingstone’s speech on that terrible day, which I think sends an audaciously powerful message.

‘…Finally, I wish to speak directly to those who came to London today to take life.

I know that you personally do not fear giving up your own life in order to take others – that is why you are so dangerous. But I know you fear that you may fail in your long-term objective to destroy our free society and I can show you why you will fail.

In the days that follow look at our airports, look at our sea ports and look at our railway stations and, even after your cowardly attack, you will see that people from the rest of Britain, people from around the world will arrive in London to become Londoners and to fulfill their dreams and achieve their potential.

They choose to come to London, as so many have come before because they come to be free, they come to live the life they choose, they come to be able to be themselves. They flee you because you tell them how they should live. They don’t want that and nothing you do, however many of us you kill, will stop that flight to our city where freedom is strong and where people can live in harmony with one another. Whatever you do, however many you kill, you will fail.’

I hope everyone enjoys the day we have in store, as it should be a great day for football. But beyond that, we need to also look at today and remember.

Cheers,

Eric Beard