Oslo Cathedral hosts national 22 July memorial ceremony

Norway marked the anniversary of the 22 July 2011 attacks with a national memorial service at Oslo Cathedral. The ceremony featured the reading of the 77 victims' names, a performance by singer Helene Bøksle, and the traditional singing of "Til ungdommen." King Harald V and Queen Sonja attended alongside government ministers, survivors, and families of the deceased. Participants described the event as both painful and unifying, emphasizing the importance of remembering the tragedy while fostering collective resolve.

The service, held under open skies before moving indoors, highlighted music that had been misused by the terrorist and was reclaimed by the performers. Attendees reflected on the lingering grief and the responsibility to ensure the memory of the victims endures in Norwegian society.