On July 7, 2005, London residents flooded the sidewalks after a coordinated suicide bomb attack on the city’s public transportation during rush hour claimed the lives of 52 people and injured more than 700.
On the 10-year anniversary of the 7/7 bombings, in a show of unity and in remembrance of the victims, a coalition of organizations including Amnesty International U.K., Hope Not Hate, and the Islamic Society of Britain urged London residents to end their commute early and walk to work together.
Across the city, Londoners shared their walks on social media, using the hashtag #WalkTogether.
We can't let the evil triumph. #walktogether pic.twitter.com/xpmrDxIpEi
— Liz Gofton (@Lizzle89) July 7, 2015
#walktogether in Leeds. Still so touched by the stories of ppl helping each other as they walked home together pic.twitter.com/IueIh4SNFj
— Amy Downes (@tractorgirlamy8) July 7, 2015
Just walked the last stop on my journey in memory of the lives lost 7/7 #walktogether pic.twitter.com/FvzVmy4npI
— Dreamines (@DreaminesDream) July 7, 2015
Beyond the ceremonial walk, U.K. political leaders showed their respects at commemorative events.
Prince William laid a wreath during a memorial ceremony in London’s Hyde Park.
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie attended a commemorative service at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
Former Mayor of London Ken Livingstone attended, as well.
The day before the memorial, U.K. faith leaders joined survivors of the 7/7 attacks for another unity walk.
Gill Hicks, one of the survivors, urged open communication as a path to peace.
“I believe in the power and brilliance of humanity, Hicks said in a press release, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. “My life was saved by strangers, people who never gave up, people who risked their own lives to save mine. To them, I was a precious human life—my rescue wasn’t dependent on my faith, my colour, my gender or wealth.”
“Walking Together allows us the time and space to talk, to share and to know the ‘other,'” she continued. “Our unity can offer the strength to not only deter anyone from following the path of violent extremism, but to also build a sustainable peace.”
(Photos via Getty Images)
