‘Halo’ memorial to Manchester bomber victims
THE “Glade of Light” memorial to the victims of the Manchester Arena terrorist attack has been unveiled to the public.
All 22 victims of the 2017 atrocity are named on the halo of marble slabs, placed close to Manchester Cathedral in the city centre.
Memory capsules made by bereaved families for loved ones are embedded in the halo, which relatives were able to visit privately before it opened yesterday.
Figen Murray, mother of Martyn Hett, 29, who died in the suicide bombing, said: “This is such a huge thing that happened in Manchester, it should never be forgotten.”
The halo is a living memorial, a peaceful garden of remembrance, featuring native plants selected to provide year-round colour.
The hawthorn tree at its centre was selected as every year its white blossom should be out on May 22, the anniversary of the attack, which also left hundreds of people injured at the Ariana Grande concert.
Ms Murray said her son would think the memorial was “right up his street” and he would “love” the people of Manchester to visit it.
She added: “I think a memorial is really important after a huge event like the arena attack.
“It’s not just important for the people who died and the bereaved families, it’s important for the injured, for the people who have been psychologically damaged and for the people of Manchester.
“It’s also a place for future generations to come and remember, so that they are reminded of what happened that day.
“It’s part of the city’s history.” Councillor Bev Craig, leader of Manchester city council, said: “We will never forget those whose lives were lost on May 22, 2017.
“They already had a permanent place in the hearts of Manchester people. Now they have a lasting memorial in the heart of our city.”