Thought For The Day:   Tuesday 7^th July 2026

On the 7th of July 2005,  52 people passed away from this life when they were killed in terrorist attacks in London.

More than 700 people were injured.  Many were traumatized.

Immense, and inspirational, resilience was, and is, shown, with empathetic support.

There is a very moving memorial to all those affected, pictured above, in Hyde Park in London.  The memorial comprises 52 stainless steel columns, with those killed in the attacks of the 7^th of July 2005 personally remembered by name.

Terrorism is evil, hateful, illegal, immoral, and totally wrong.  All communities, peoples, and religions are against terrorism.

The 7th of July 2005 was a very challenging day at T.B.S.H.S.. Students could not call their parents working in London as, for safety and security reasons, the mobile telephone networks had temporarily been disconnected.   There were no “smart” telephones then.

On the 7^th of July last year, at a special National Service of Commemoration at Saint Paul’s Cathedral, in London,  the names of all killed in the attacks of the 7th of July 2005 were read out.

Each, and every, name a beautiful, precious, and sacred life, with a story and a family.  Each with an eternal legacy of love and inspiration.

The readers were:  Saba Edwards, whose mother Behnaz Mozakka was one of the victims;  and Thelma Stober, who was injured and traumatized by the attacks.

As the names of the victims were so beautifully, respectfully, and correctly read out by Saba and Thelma, 52,000 white rose petals, representing the 52 people killed in the attacks that day, fluttered down from the ceiling and dome of Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Four candles were lit to mark the four places, on the public transportation network, where the attacks took place.

As detailed in the following moving extract from the commemoration service below, Saba and Thelma read the names perfectly, including, so emotionally, Saba of her mum.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/cvgw1d17nl3o

Thoughtfully reflecting on the 7^th of July last year, King Charles III wrote the following:

“My heartfelt thoughts and special prayers remain with all those whose lives were forever changed on that terrible Summer’s day.

We remember with profound sadness the 52 innocent people who were killed in senseless acts of evil – and the enduring grief of their loved ones. We recall, too, the hundreds more who carry physical and psychological scars, and pray that their suffering may ease as the years pass.

In doing so, we should also remember the countless stories of extraordinary courage and compassion that emerged from the darkness of that day. The selfless bravery of our emergency services, transport workers, and fellow citizens who rushed towards danger to help strangers reminds us of the very best of humanity in the face of the very worst.

While the horrors will never be forgotten, we may take comfort from the way such events rally communities together in solidarity, solace, and determination. It is this spirit of unity that has helped London, and our nation, to heal. 

As we remember those we lost, let us therefore use this anniversary to reaffirm our commitment to building a society where people of all faiths and backgrounds can live together with mutual respect and understanding, always standing firm against those who would seek to divide us.”