Yesterday evening over 150,000 Norwegians (other reports say 200,000) took to the streets of Oslo, bearing roses to remember those slain in Oslo and on Utoeya.
The Crown Prince, the Prime Minister, and other members of the government (particularly Arbeiderpartiet) gave speeches memorializing those lost, and those still missing.
The Norwegian response to these dreadful attacks is a model for other nations to follow. Most notably, even though the Royal Family and government officials have been present at this large vigil, and have presided over a national moment of silence, their security remains minimal and discreet...just as before. Jens Stoltenberg, the Prime Minister said at the memorial service, "Our answer is more democracy, more openness, and more humanity but never naivete."
Oslo is being taken back. As the glass and debris are cleared away, stores reopen down town. People are unafraid to sit outside at a pub and have a beer, if not a bit soberly. The crowds around the Dome Church continue to add to to the ever expanding flower-and-candle shrine at the church's doorstep. Flowers and candles dot street corners and other church doorways.
Sverre and I have gone out the past few evenings to walk around town. Oslo is more subdued than normal, but there are people outside. Police tape is being taken down, and cordoned off areas are shrinking. In defiance of a madman trying to change this society, its people are working to return to normal.
I believe the Norwegian approach to this tragedy is the right way. Do not allow this event to destroy a way of life, otherwise it may be lost forever.
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