Britain marked the fourth anniversary of bombings on London's transport system today by unveiling a monument to the 52 people killed.
Survivors and relatives of the victims paid tribute at the monument of steel pillars in Hyde Park, built to honour those killed when bombs ripped through three London underground trains and a bus on July 7th, 2005.
The structure, comprising 52 stainless steel columns with individual characteristics, was commissioned by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on behalf of the families of victims.
Prince Charles said the monument fulfils a deeply held need for the survivors and victims. "Each one offers a path to peace and healing, each one honours the dead and each remind us to lead our lives in a way that would make them proud," he said.
He was joined by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, London Mayor Boris Johnson and a host of other dignitaries who witnessed the unveiling of the monument at the south east corner of the park between Lover's Walk and Park Lane. Names of the victims were read out and a minute's silence was observed.
The 52 columns were grouped to represent the locations of the bombings in Tavistock Square, Edgware Road, Kings Cross and Aldgate, and families of victims were involved in choosing the design and location of the monument.
The bombings on July 7th, 2005, carried out by four Islamists in suicide attacks, was the highest toll from a bombing in the UK since the death of 270 people in the 1988 Pan Am Lockerbie disaster. About 700 people were also injured in the attack.
