Today (3 June), Southwark marks the fourth anniversary of the devastating terrorist attacks on London Bridge and Borough, in which eight people tragically died and 48 people were seriously injured.
Southwark Cathedral has worked closely with Southwark Council to honour the victims with a virtual service hosted at the Cathedral. The service was broadcast at 9.30am this morning and is available online for anyone who was unable to watch at that time.
During the service, victims’ families and other figures including Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, and Cllr Kieron Williams, Leader of Southwark Council, laid flowers in remembrance by the olive tree that was planted on the first anniversary of the attack. Around its base reads: ‘The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations’.
The Dean of Southwark, The Very Revd Andrew Nunn said: “Southwark Cathedral was at the heart of the events of that evening four years ago. We continue to stand as a place of loving remembrance for the whole of the community who continue to live with the reality of what happened but look to the future with hope.”
Cllr Kieron Williams, Leader of Southwark Council, said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the dreadful events that happened four years ago today.
“Whether you were here in person or joining us from afar, we hope the service today brought some comfort to know that we are in each other’s thoughts.
“We stand united as a community against the senseless violence suffered that day, remembering the innocent victims who tragically died and the loves ones left behind, as well as those who showed great bravery and resilience in the aftermath that followed. As a borough and as a city, our solidarity and healing is defiance in the face of evil.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “On the fourth anniversary of the appalling terrorist attack on London Bridge, Londoners are once again uniting to remember the victims, their loved ones and the heroic first responders who ran towards danger to try to save lives.
“This cowardly attack sought to fracture our communities and destroy our way of life. It was not only an attack on London, but an attack on the freedoms and values we as Londoners hold dear. Despite the loss of eight precious lives, the unshakeable spirit of our city serves as a reminder to all who would seek to divide us that they will never succeed.
“Four years have passed but Londoners will never forget the innocent victims of that tragic day. We will continue to mourn their passing and honour their memory by remaining united. I am proud that Londoners recognise we have so much more in common than that which divides us and I know we will help heal our great city by staying true to the values that bind us together.”
