Norway - You're Always On My Mind

Showing love and solidarity from New Delhi, India to Norway.

Outside of the Royal Norwegian Embassy

Thanks to the Royal Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi I was able to attend a Ceremony of Remembrance for the victims of the terrorist attacks in Norway.

After having read about and seen the photo's of different Remembrance Ceremonies around the whole country of Norway, wishing I could be there, it was very nice to be able to light a candle and lay down a red rose by the Norwegian flag.

Being far away from home when horrible things happen is hard. It's sometimes hard to explain what you feel, especially in a situation like this. Because the attacks in Norway attacked the Norwegian culture, the very ideas and values of the Norwegian people.

One thing is certain, we will keep those values strong because the values of solidarity, peace, tolerance, openness and democracy are deep within our hearts.

"If one man could show that much hate, then just think how much love we can show together".
- A Norwegian Youth Labour Party member 


Love and Solidarity 
Showing love and solidarity is exactly what the Norwegian people are doing. Around the world.
All the Norwegians present at the Remembrance Ceremony sang "Til Ungdommen" in Norwegian.
Here's the English translation of "To the Youth". Please read it all.

TO THE YOUTH 
by Nordahl Grieg

Faced by your enemies
On every hand
Battle is menacing,
Now make your stand

Fearful your question,
Defenceless, open
What shall I fight with?
What is my weapon?

Here is your battle plan,
Here is your shield
Faith in this life of ours,
The common weal

For all our children’s sake,
Save it, defend it,
Pay any price you must,
They shall not end it

Neat stacks of cannon shells,
Row upon row
Death to the life you love,
All that you know

War is contempt for life,
Peace is creation
Death’s march is halted
By determination

We all deserve the world,
Harvest and seed
Hunger and poverty
Are born of greed

Don’t turn your face away
From needs of others
Reach out a helping hand
To all your brothers

Here is our solemn vow,
From land to land
We will protect our world
From tyrants’ hand

Defend the beautiful,
Gentle and innocent
Like any mother would
Care for her infant.

English translation
By Rod Sinclair (2004)