Today is the first National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism.
The day will focus on remembering and recognising those impacted by terrorism, encouraging victims and survivors to access specialist support, educating the public, and amplifying victims’ and survivors’ stories.
The inauguration follows campaigning from victims and survivors for better recognition of their lived experiences and a public consultation on proposals for a national day which identified strong public support.
The 21st of August was chose as it aligns with the UN International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.
Victims, survivors and bereaved family members are encouraged to observe the day in a way that is meaningful to them.
The National Day will also focus raising awareness about specialist support for victims and survivors, educating the public about the history and impacts of terrorism, and amplifying victims’ and survivors’ stories.
The government will still be working with victims and survivors to shape the format of the National Day for future years, including designing a dedicated symbol for the day.
People are encouraged to get involved however they wish to remember and reflect. This may be individually, in their homes, with loved ones, at a place of reflection, or together in local communities. This could include lighting a candle in remembrance, visiting a local memorial or having a silent moment of reflection.
People could also donate to a charity that supports victims or plant a tree, flower or bulb as a symbol of hope and resilience.
Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, said: "I am proud that we now have a national day to honour victims and survivors of terrorism.
"There is something remarkable about how we come together as a country in those darkest moments. As time passes, most people go back to their lives, but for those who lived through the trauma, there is no return to normality.
"Today matters because it says you are not alone. You have not been forgotten. This is a moment to remember the loved ones lost and anyone who has survived the very worst of humanity."
Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said: "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. I encourage everyone to join us by taking some time to reflect on the experiences of victims, survivors and all those whose lives have been changed forever by terrorism.
"We will never allow terrorism to divide us."
Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said: "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. I encourage everyone to join us by taking some time to reflect on the experiences of victims, survivors and all those whose lives have been changed forever by terrorism.
"We will never allow terrorism to divide us."
A ceremony will be held in Central London later today, bringing together hundreds of victims, survivors, bereaved families, emergency responders and government representatives.
A 2-minute silence will be observed at the ceremony.
Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence Taylor, said: "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.
"It is absolutely right that we now have a formal moment of reflection in the national calendar, but we must never forget that many survivors live with the impact of terrorism every day. They are remarkable people, who deserve to be recognised for their resilience and bravery shown in the face of unimaginable horror."
Travis Frain OBE, survivor of the Westminster Bridge attack, said: "I’m pleased to see this National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism come to fruition, after many hard years of campaigning. This should be a date when we come together as a country to remember those affected by terrorism and set our sights to the future, to understand how we can all play our part in preventing further radicalisation and defeating the spread of violent extremism. It is my hope that this event will be one that we can build on in the years to come, demonstrating clearly that the UK stands firm in the face of terrorism."
