Shielding the human worth Is creating true peace.

The recent attacks in my home country, Norway, have moved me into a state of shock, confusion and utter sorrow too inconceivable for words. My thoughts, heart and tears goes out to all of those who experienced the tragedy first-hand, the wounded, and those who have lost a close friend or family member; those who must be experiencing a sorrow beyond anything imaginable. The brutal and ruthless murders of so many Norwegians has not only been hard to witness, but also hard to fathom. It is not until now, that I am able to start reflecting over the pride I feel of my country and the brave survivors. We all have been able to mourn these losses together and with a display of immense love and support for one another.

Today I feel sadness and love for my wounded country, as well as an overwhelming appreciation for everyone far beyond Norway's boundaries who has shared their heartfelt support and consoling words.  Today I also feel proud, of my country and of the world at large that have reacted with a heartfelt warmth that we can only hope signifies a future where such meaningless violence will be answered with resilience and peace instead of hostility and war. In the wake of this tragedy, our country and so many of the brave survivors have shown me that solace does not lie within hatred or revenge, rather, our survival will be through consoling each other, standing by our beliefs and continuing to work for our freedom of speech, religion and opinion. 

200.000 Norwegians gathered in Oslo to show support, respect and love for the lost, wounded and one another.

I have attached the following translated poem by the Norwegian writer Nordahl Grieg, I tried to find a translation that adequately could convey the strong words of Grieg but it was difficult, so this is a combination of many suggested translations with some tweaks of my own. The poem is an insightful portrayal of Norwegian culture, which is so strongly based on the firm belief in peace, life and democracy. And now more than ever Norwegians have been true to Grieg's vision.

I post this in honor of the lives lost. May you inspire a brighter future.

To The Youth - Nordahl Grieg

Surrounded by enemies
face the coming rite!
During a storm of blood -
You have to fight!

Might you then ask in fear,
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,
Die, if you have to, but:
deepen, extend it!

Silently bullets glide,
released from their trigger

Stop their deathly flight
Stop them with vigor!

War is contempt for life,
Peace is creation
Add forces to the strife:
Drive death's capitulation

Love and enrich with dreams
greatness of old!
Enter unknown terrain
where truth will be told.

Works not yet been built,
stars never seen
reveal them through rescued lives,
able and keen!

Noble is humanity,
earth rich and sweet!
Hunger and suffering,
is caused by deceit.
 

Crush it! In the name of life
injustice shall fall.
Sunlight and bread and hope,
is birthright of all.

Weapons will then drop down,

warfare will cease!

shielding the human worth
is creating true peace.

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 kin to kin
We will take care of
This world we live in.

We will protect and keep
the beauty and grace
as if we held a child
in tender embrace!