The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge teamed up with families and survivors in a multi-religious service at Grenfell Tower base to remember the 72 people who died there five years ago. Prince William and Kate Middleton were among a crowd of hundreds gathered to pay their respects to the 72 victims of Hell on June 14, 2017. A 72-second silence was observed at the base of the tower by bystanders, including the Duke and Duchess – broken by an applause. Kate laid a wreath of white flowers as William stared straight behind her, before both of them bowed their heads and stood for a moment of quiet reflection. London Mayor Sadiq Khan laid the next wreath, before also bowing his head in remembrance.
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AP At the ceremony, Grenfell survivors and relatives released 18 green balloons from the base of West London Tower to represent every child who died there five years ago. Each child’s name was read as each balloon was released in the anniversary service. Choir performances, prayers, readings and the unveiling of a white heart sculpture by hand were also performed. The service was broadcast live on screens placed in the surrounding area so that the wider community and the public could watch. Eight-year-old Ayeesha, a survivor of the fire, recited a poem she wrote called Never Forget. He said: “We will stay strong, we will rise up as a community, we will fight for justice together, we will always remember our friends and neighbors, we will always remember our home. REUTERS “We can not change the past but we can change the future. Never forget. “ Many pay their respects at the foot of the tower. The musician Stormzy was among those seen there. Getty Images Later, several hundred people left on a silent two-mile journey from Grenfell Tower to celebrate the fifth anniversary. Firefighters from the London Fire Brigade stood in solidarity with the community of Grenfell during the walk. Dozens of firefighters lined up on either side of Cambridge Gardens Road in Ladbroke Grove, west London, as hundreds of pedestrians passed by. Some firefighters held green hearts that read “Grenfell” and spectators applauded as mourners passed by. PA Earlier, the survivors and families of the mourners celebrated five years since the tragedy at Westminster Abbey, as the bishop leading the memorial service insisted the fight for justice would continue. The Bishop of Kensington, Rev. Dr. Graham Tomlin, said there was a sense of “injustice, sadness and grief” felt by the community after the fire, which cost 72 lives. So far no individuals or companies have been charged with the fire. Campaigners also warned that a similar catastrophe would occur after the government failed to make all the proposed changes needed to stop such a tragedy. London Mayor Sadiq Khan arrives for a Grenfell fire memorial service at Westminster Abbey / ΠΑ Dr. Tomlin told the memorial that the housing industry bosses seem to be putting profits above people. “Lament refuses to accept easy answers,” he said. “He is trying to name an unpleasant reality – he says clearly that what happened in Grenfell was wrong. It was not an unfortunate accident – it was the result of careless decisions, regulations that were ignored, an industry that sometimes seemed more interested in making a profit and selling products than in the precious value of human life and the safety of people in their homes. . ” He added: “Those of you who lost loved ones in Grenfell Tower, those who survived that night, those who live in the local community and watched the events of that horrible neighborhood unfold, have been waiting for five, many years. People observe a 72-second silence at the Grenfell Memorial in Westfield Mall, London. / ΠΑ “It simply came to our notice then. And so today we recognize our common sadness, this feeling of injustice, the continuing sadness. ” Journalist Jon Snow called on those responsible for the Grenfell Tower fire to address the prosecution as he spoke to the service. Mr Snow said: “There is an ongoing investigation that will lead to prosecution and we need to make sure it is done.” The former Channel 4 news anchor spoke to an audience of residents, survivors, mourners and politicians. Former Prime Minister Theresa May, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Housing Secretary Michael Gove, Building Safety and Fire Secretary Steven Grinhalg and Shadow Secretary Lisa Nadi sat on the podium. Getty Images Mr Snow said: “Grenfell, which is set in the richest town in Britain, is talking about the horrific inequality that has torn our society apart. “We must now address the issues raised by the Grenfell disaster.” The names of Grenfell victims were read at the abbey and flowers were laid at the Innocent Victims Memorial as the abbey bell rang 72 times. At 2:00 p.m., a 72-second silence was observed at Westfield Mall, with the names of the 72 victims being read through the bulletin board. Later Tuesday, the siege around the tower in North Kensington was removed for a multi-religious and tribute ceremony. This afternoon firefighters from across the country will form an honor guard as members of the community take part in a silent walk from the base of the tower. A woman makes green leaves in chairs at the Grenfell Memorial Fire and places objects on the altar in Westminster Abbey / ΠΑ Karim Mussilhy said he could not come to terms with the loss of his uncle, Hesham Rahman, in the fire. “Five years have passed, but for us we feel like time has not passed; we are still fighting for justice, five years later,” Mr Mussilhy, a leading member of the Grenfell United campaign team, told Standard. The fire was caused by a faulty refrigerator and the flammable lining that covered the building was a key factor in the rapid spread of hell. Residents were advised to stay still as flames raged through the building, as firefighters said its design would prevent it from spreading. However, Grenfell had no fire doors or sprinkler systems and only one staircase, while the cladding served as a chimney that spreads fire and smoke into the building.
Grenfell Fire Memorial at Westminster Abbey commemorates its fifth anniversary
Commemorative events are held in memory of the 72 people killed in the Grenfell Tower fire – Fifth Anniversary
Getty Images The families are still enduring the investigation of Grenfell Tower, which has been tasked with investigating how the fire happened. It is now in its second and final phase which is expected to be completed next month. The public inquiry team, led by Sir Martin Moore-Bick, is expected to draw up a final report based on its findings. The report, drafted after the first phase of the investigation, advised the government to impose a legal obligation on building owners to describe emergency evacuation plans for residents. However, the government plans to maintain the controversial “stay” policy, which means that residents of many high-rise buildings will continue to be advised to wait for rescue services during a fire. There are still at least 9,790 towers in the UK, including more than 1,000 in London, that have been deemed unsafe due to risky investments. The Met said it would not provide evidence to prosecutors until the investigation is completed later this year. It’s time for politicians to pay tribute to social media, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson posting on Twitter: “Today marks five years since the Grenfell Tower fire claimed the lives of 72 people. “My thoughts are with the survivors, those who lost loved ones and the wider community.” Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer said: “Five years after the Grenfell Tower fire we remember the 72 people who were killed. “The Grenfell community is courageous in its pursuit of justice and change. “We are standing with them. To honor the memory of those who have been lost, we must prevent such a tragedy from happening again. Mr Kahn wrote on Twitter: “I stand with all Londoners next to the community of Grenfell today, on the fifth anniversary of this terrible tragedy, and always. “Together, we will receive the answers, justice and change we need to protect communities in London and throughout the rest of our country.” The Grenfell Health and Wellbeing service, run by the NHS Foundation for Central and North West London, was set up and said it helps survivors with their long-term health. Provides access to emotional and physical services to help residents cope with the trauma they have suffered and to assist with housing, financial, employment and education support. Nick Burton was a resident of Grenfell Tower for 33 years and his wife Pily died in the fire. He worked with the service. He said: “It was very difficult. I have been to treatment. The journey I have made, I know it works. It suits me. I understand that I needed it. “Other people in the community may need the service, but they do not know how to handle it. Go to the community, meet people and it is a little easier to talk to us. “What we do is interact with the community, go out in the community and say we are here.”
