MINNEAPOLIS - As the country of Norway remembers a tragedy on year ago, many in the Twin Cities did the same.
"It was important to be here," said Nancy Penk of Hopkins. "I was in Norway the day this happened."
Hundreds, many with Norwegian ties, gathered at The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church Sunday to honor the victims of a tragedy that shook the country. On July 22, 2011, 77 people were killed at the hands of a domestic terrorist named Anders Behring Breivik. Breivik opened fire at a summer camp and was also responsible for the bombings at a government building in Oslo.
"There's a mourning that is powerful when we do it together," said congregational president Orlyn Kringstad. "We pray for understanding, forgiveness, and remembrance for those will forever be impacted by the tragic events of a year ago."
Songs, prayers, and readings provided the proper reflection, but while the focus was on what happened in Norway, it's the incident in Colorado that prompts a similar response.
"The sadness we feel over both tragedies is palpable today," said Karen Rick of Apple Valley. "We need to find ways to come together rather than finding ways to separate us."
Kendra Johnson was also at Sunday's service. She is originally from the Twin Cities, but now lives in Norway with her family.
"Whether it's in Norway or Colorado it's so tragic," she said. It's important for us to move forward together, but also remember what happened and never forget."
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