London, Jul 8: July 7, 2005 will be remembered as the day when the oft repeated statement, “It was a not a question of whether, but when!” became a reality.
This was the day when about 37 lost lives and 700 got injured in the barbaric attack this city has seen in recent times. Although, at first the cause of the explosions was said to be due to a power surge, it was later realised that they were the acts of a group of terrorists, possibly on suicide missions.
It was devastating to see the visibly shaken smoke covered faces of the people affected in the brutal incidents around Central London. Yet, their resolve to come out of those deep underground (subway) tunnels helping each other by breaking the windows of the trains and climbing the equivalent of 15 stories building was commendable. These were the people who put up with the smoke, hot air and darkness in one of the world?s first metro trains deep down where smoke from an ordinary fire can choke you severely.
Londoners and the authorities were always prepared for such terrorist attacks by their innumerable drills and exercises. They had already averted a couple of incidents over the past few months at Heathrow Airport and the financial centre at Canary Wharf. However, this one was difficult since it could be the handiwork of suicide bombers. But what stands out most in these trying times is the Spirit of London. The Spirit of London is as resolute and strong as those of the people of New York or Madrid or Mumbai that have experienced similar acts of violence.
The mood of the Londoners might have been subdued, but their resolve to help people and get back to business was impressive. Although, most parties to celebrate the triumph at the Olympic bid and the cultural shows were cancelled, the transport and businesses were back in operation. The churches and other places of worship were packed with people praying for their near and dear ones. The NHS which has a reputation of not being the best in the world had done a brilliant job in the treatment of those injured and burnt.
Today, Londoners are getting together at the historic Trafalgar Square to stand united against the terrorists and show to the world that they will not be cowed by these incidents. London has always emerged triumphant after such terrorist attacks like those during the IRA bombings of the nineties. Let us stand united not just in London but around the world against such acts of terrorism.
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Author: Roshan Concessao- London
