The 22 May terrorist attack was a tragedy. But if the response both locally and internationally proves one thing, it’s that you can’t beat the human spirit.
Solidarity
Even as the chaos was unfolding, people responded with compassion, solidarity and giving. Within minutes, locals were pledging support to emergency services. Both the Greater Manchester Police and the NHS received particular praise:
No matter what happens, the emergency services are always running head first into danger. Massive respect and thanks are needed for them all
— Stan (@ABlueHorizon_) May 22, 2017
Close behind were personal offers of help. Offers of lifts home, shelter and support poured in:
https://twitter.com/NicoleKent2/status/866800751418507265
https://twitter.com/Dadswell37/status/866814801930072064
Messages of support also poured in from all corners of the globe. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, for example, insisted that:
People in the UK can rest assured that Germany stands shoulder to shoulder with them.
“Choose love”
At an evening vigil in Manchester on 23 May, meanwhile, thousands of people gathered to show the city’s resilience.
Thousands attended a vigil to commemorate the victims of the #Manchester bombing https://t.co/v0vxUgnMZq pic.twitter.com/Sjxki6zy8q
— DW News (@dwnews) May 23, 2017
Bishop of Manchester David Walker said:
We will pull through the events of last night because we will stand together… whatever our background, whatever our religion, whatever our beliefs and our politics. We will stand together to say that this city is greater than the forces that align… against it. As we say that, we’re sending a signal – not just to Manchester but across the world – that you cannot defeat us. Because love, in the end, is always stronger than hate.
Manchester sets aside differences of 'background, religion, beliefs and politics' to champion love over hate at #ManchesterAttack vigil pic.twitter.com/zPOCszJRlj
— Sky News (@SkyNews) May 23, 2017
Local poet Tony Walsh, meanwhile, read the following poem of defiance, saying at the end:
Choose love, Manchester.
An amazing, defiant poem read out during the Manchester vigil: https://t.co/8qt8OkuVTQ via @YouTube
— Ben Claimant 💚 Join a Union (@BenClaimant) May 23, 2017
And the best way to defeat hatred, division and fear is indeed to focus on the opposite sentiments. To foster more love, more unity, and more hope. Today, the people of Manchester demonstrated that spirit in droves. Tomorrow, we must all do the same.
Get Involved!
– Be kind to each other. Show compassion. And stand with Manchester.
– Those who are concerned about loved ones or anyone who may have been in the area at the time of the 22 May terror attack can call this emergency number: 0800 096 0095.
– For more coverage of the attack, see here.
Featured image via flickr
