Survivors and crowds of families have gathered for a series of memorial events today (June 14) to mark the fifth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
72 people—men, women and children—were killed by the blaze in West London in 2017, which has since been billed as the deadliest domestic blaze since the Second World War.
The multi-faith memorial service started with the names of the victims read out followed by a reply of “forever in our hearts”, a phrase which has since been emblazoned across the top of the covered-up tower in north Kensington. Roses were then laid on the Innocent Victims’ Memorial and an abbey bell rang 72 times.
Attendees included the former Prime Minister, Theresa May, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Housing Secretary Michael Gove, building safety and fire minister Stephen Greenhalgh, and shadow housing secretary Lisa Nandy. Retired Channel 4 journalist Jon Snow, who led a moving speech during the service, said: “I am honoured to be invited to speak at this vastly important remembrance from which we all have so much to learn.”
A 72-second silence will be observed at Westfield shopping centre, after which the names of the 72 victims will be read out over the public address system. Later today, fire fighters from across the UK will form a guard of honour as local residents gather to lay flowers and wreaths who will then embark on a silent walk starting from the base of the 220 ft. building.
