Terrorism Failed

Each of the 52 victims of the July 7th bombings has been commemorated in a memorial unveiled on the fourth anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

The Hyde Park monument consists of 52 stainless steel columns, or stelae, which stand 3.5m tall. Each one is unique and they have been grouped together in four clusters reflecting the separate locations of the bombings - Tavistock Square, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Aldgate.

A stainless steel plaque naming all those who died has also been erected at the memorial site.

Ms Mozakka's mother, Behnaz Mozakka, 47, a biomedical officer, was killed on the Piccadilly line Tube while commuting to work.
She said: "One of the fantastic things about the monument is that it reflects the individual and the collective and shows the connectivity of events."

"I think and hope people will feel passionately about the memorial."

Mr. Johnson, the mayor of London, said: "This memorial echoes the steely determination shown by Londoners in the days following the bombings.
"We have done much to make London safer, but today reminds us that London's strength ultimately lies with its people."


Terrorism Failed

United in isolated collectivity,
Standing erect for reflective solidarity,
Sited to enable individuality,
Symbolising the dead, the loss in totality.

So many damaged people, with so much to remind,
There are tear-laden memories for those left behind.
A tangible grief can still be heard in their voices,
Faltering as they speak out about that day’s choices.

Take underground trains or avoid confused crowds and fuss,
Diverted, turned back, decided to run, catch a bus.
Explosive devices never discriminated,
Primed bombs blasted apart, London was devastated.

They ripped through metal, taking and tearing precious lives,
And scarred the future for each one who survives.
Destroyed calm, delivered terror with impunity,
Suicide bombers believed in their immunity.

Now peace; time taken for moments of contemplation,
Silent thoughts that bring an end to all conversation.
Remembered faces, the past a painful looking back,
Centrally listed, names on the newly engraved plaque.

Children run, play chase, amidst the memorial shown,
As people feel emotion, cry, prove that flesh and bone
Continues to exist, to love, to laugh and to weep
But, never to forget those whose memories they keep.

United in isolated collectivity,
Defiant, standing tall in solidarity.
There to celebrate the individuality
Of the murdered dead, fifty-two in totality.

Tragically their hopes, dreams were brutally curtailed
But, ours were not; we are strong as steel, terrorism failed.