Inaugural National Day Honouring Victims and Survivors of Terrorism Celebrated

Today marks a significant occasion as the nation gathers to observe the inaugural National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism. This day is dedicated to honouring and acknowledging those affected by terrorism, ensuring that victims and survivors receive the necessary support to rebuild their lives, and amplifying their poignant stories.

A Day of Remembrance and Reflection

A ceremony scheduled to take place in Central London will bring together hundreds of individuals, including victims, survivors, bereaved families, emergency responders, and representatives from the government. A two-minute silence will be observed during the event to pay tribute to those who have been lost and those profoundly impacted by terrorism. This National Day serves as an opportunity for individuals across the country to pause and reflect on the lives irrevocably altered by acts of terror.

The establishment of this National Day, which will be commemorated annually on 21 August, follows years of advocacy from victims and survivors seeking greater recognition and awareness of the lasting effects of terrorism. Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed pride in the creation of this day, highlighting the remarkable unity demonstrated by the country during its darkest moments. He noted, “As time passes, most people return to their lives, but for those who have endured the trauma, there is no return to normality. Today matters because it says you are not alone. You have not been forgotten.”

Voices of Support and Solidarity

Security Minister Dan Jarvis also emphasised the significance of this day, stating, “I am proud to stand with victims and survivors of terrorism as we mark our first ever National Day. I know how much this day will mean to people across the country.” He encouraged citizens to take time to reflect on the experiences of those whose lives have been altered forever by terrorism, asserting that the nation must remain united against divisive acts of violence.

Laurence Taylor, Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, remarked on the importance of acknowledging the experiences of survivors. He stated, “Whenever I speak to survivors and victims of terrorism, I am reminded why our work is so important. It is their experiences, their trauma, that drives all of us at Counter Terrorism Policing in our mission to keep people safe.” Taylor called for continued recognition of the remarkable resilience exhibited by survivors who confront the aftermath of unimaginable horror on a daily basis.

A Survivor’s Perspective

Travis Frain OBE, a survivor of the Westminster Bridge attack, expressed satisfaction at the realisation of the National Day, following years of campaigning. He emphasised the importance of coming together as a nation to remember those affected by terrorism while also looking towards the future, advocating for efforts to prevent radicalisation and combat violent extremism. He hopes this event will serve as a foundation for future commemorations, reinforcing the UK’s steadfastness in the fight against terrorism.

M. Victoria Cummock, widow of John B. Cummock, who was killed in the bombing of Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie, expressed gratitude to the government for establishing this National Day. She remarked, “Each year, it will enable people across the country to gather in solidarity and fraternity to give voice to the hundreds killed, remember their loved ones, and recognise the survivors and responders whose lives were forever changed.”

Commitment to Ongoing Support

This year’s commemorations follow two recent terrorist attacks at Heaton Park Synagogue and Golders Green, and are set against the backdrop of the upcoming 10th anniversaries of five terrorist incidents that occurred in 2017. The National Day reinforces the government’s commitment to supporting those affected by terrorism, building on the recent launch of a new Support Hub for victims and survivors, which began operating on 1 June. This hub provides specialised, trauma-informed assistance to anyone impacted by a terrorist incident, ensuring that victims can access the necessary support throughout their recovery journey.

The Support Hub, which operates 24/7, assigns each victim and survivor a dedicated point of contact for tailored support. Individuals can access help via the website or telephone, making it easier to receive assistance when needed. The government remains steadfast in its commitment to continue supporting victims and survivors of terrorism while developing the National Day in the years to come.