Remembering the Innocent

The sun was shining bright on the 3rd of June 2017, and life in London had resumed its usual hustle and bustle. Oxford Street was bustling with shoppers, tourists were taking selfies in front of the red phone booths, and people were enjoying their day at work or leisure.

But amidst the frenzy, an evil force had planned an attack on innocent lives. In a matter of minutes, the silence was shattered by the sound of terror as three men armed with knives entered the heart of London's business district - London Bridge.

In what seemed like hours, but was only minutes, the attackers moved through the crowd stabbing people indiscriminately, shattering lives without an ounce of mercy. When it was over, eight people lost their lives, and dozens more were injured.

The ill-fated tragedy of the London Bridge attack shook London and the world, and for those who survived, the emotional scars remain deep. The fear of losing loved ones in such senseless acts of violence plays at our deepest fears- not only because they can happen so quickly, but also because they leave us feeling powerless.

For survivors and the families of those who died, the wounds of that day will never fully heal. Every year, as we approach the anniversary of this terrible tragedy, the emotions rise again, and people are left with raw feelings of pain, anger, and helplessness.

As we commemorate the fourth anniversary of the attack, it is a time for us to remember the innocent victims, the selflessness of the first responders, and the community unity that showed in the face of terror. It is also a time for us to reflect on the emotional impact of such incidents and ensure that we take steps to counter prejudice, hatred and radicalization.

Being exposed to such intense violence can lead to various degrees of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression and other mood disorders like sleep difficulties and relationship issues.

These symptoms are not limited to only the victims or those close to them- they can ripple throughout the wider community and create a long-lasting impact on society. The fear of leaving home, mistrust towards different cultures, and a sense of hopelessness can lead to further hate speech, prejudice and ultimately pave the way for extremist ideologies.

It is essential to acknowledge the full effect of such violence, not only its immediate aftermath but also the long-term emotional and psychological burden that it imposes on everyone. We need to take proactive measures to address traumatic events, providing resources for victims and their families, and ensuring that justice is served.

Increased awareness through education and training, mental health care services, support groups and community engagement can also help to mitigate the emotional trauma that such acts cause. This can give people a safe space to talk about their experiences, their fears and show that they are not alone in their struggle.

Remembering the innocent victims of London Bridge is about acknowledging the tragedy, commemorating the lost, and highlighting the impact of such incidents on our communities. It's about remembering the brave civilians and the emergency responders who risked their lives to save others, reminding us that love and compassion are much stronger than hatred and violence.

Despite the heart-wrenching devastation of that day in 2017, London has proved that unity and resilience are its hallmarks. As we remember this sombre anniversary, let us come together, paying tribute in our own way, and work together to build more resilient communities, one that is prepared to withstand the trauma of such events.

In closing, let us remember the innocent victims of the London Bridge attack and stand together in the face of terror. Let us strive to make our communities better by educating ourselves, supporting victims and their families, and always standing up against hatred and violence. With love and hope, we can move forward in remembering the innocent and healing the emotional wounds that such tragedy causes.