Hello again everyone,
Today as you know was going to be review day but given recent events, I wanted to take some time to reflect on what happened last night.
Manchester suffered a terrorist attack of the most abhorrent nature during an Ariana Grandé concert; a needless cowardly attack that killed and injured many innocent people including children, some as young as 8 years old. An event that should've remained in their memories as the happiest of times, now to be remembered as the most shocking and saddest of times.
But amoung the devastation, humanity amazingly pulled together and shone through as many rushed to the aid of those caught up in the chaos of the attack; taxis offered free journeys, a homeless man rushed to aid those injured, and others literally giving back by giving blood to help those in desperate need. These are but just a few examples of the selflessness shown last night and it shows how truly amazing we can all be. We forgot race, religion and politics and just focused on what was needed: kindness, compassion and unity. It's times like this where I am proud to be British and I'm proud to be in a culture that faces attrocity with a stiff upper lip and a defiant attitude.
However, it's not without great sadness that I address those who didn't make it through; those who could not be saved despite everyone's defiant efforts. Families left broken and devastated as loved ones are pronounced dead or are still missing and worse still, parents that last night would've had to face their worst nightmares- the loss of their children. No parent should ever have to contemplate losing their child whatever the circumstances and to lose them to such a callous crime must be even more heartbreaking.
All of today I have felt a pang of sadness. A sadness and shock that was felt around the world. The reality that the world is no longer as safe as we envisage or want it to be. Terror that seemed so far removed is now at the forefront of everyone's minds. We are now hearing reports of the attackers name and origin. He was from Manchester. This was a homegrown attack which makes for an even scarier realisation. The next stage in the journey to try and comprehend this event will no doubt be to ask why. But can we really get any solace from asking why? How can any law abiding, conscientious person ever fathom why someone would do something so evil? We can never fully understand why because to us, blowing people up is barbaric. It's something that cannot ever be understood. We will never get justice for this attack and that is something we as a nation again have to come to terms with.
It is argued fear is the most powerful emotion to play on and while terror is an ever increasing fear in society's psyche with the threat of homegrown radicalism becoming a common reality, we all cannot simply run scared. We have to unite at a time like this because it's through unity that we can truly conquer the ideologies of evil and hatred. Fear is what drives these barbarians, so in response we should show a united front. We will not be defeated. Terror will never win.
As the full picture of last night's tragic events continue to emerge, I send my condolences to those who have lost family, friends and children. No words can ever make up for what you have lost but may you find some comfort in the fact you're not alone in your grief and sadness. I'd also like to give a huge thankyou to everyone who helped those truly in need last night and the days that will follow. You are all heroes and you all show in your kindness that good spirit and humanity will always conquer evil.
While last night's tragedy brought centre stage the worst of humanity, it also summoned up the best of humanity. May we take a lesson from this heinous crime and be mindful of others, not just in times of crisis but at all times.
Until tomorrow, that's all from me.
Goodnight.
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