Seventy-six people died in Norway's tragic moments of violence last Friday. On Wednesday night, Northlanders remembered those affected by holding a peace vigil in Enger Park.
Dozens showed up to show support for the nation, carrying a single flower or a candle to be lit.
Representatives from the Sons of Norway lodge, the City of Duluth and religious leaders were on hand to speak about hope and resilience.
Diane Ege has a relative who was on the island during the youth camp shootings.
"This was wonderful. It's just so nice to have a place to go and remember those that have passed and also those that were able to make it to safety...and just put our thoughts forth to those that have been through this tragedy.
What transpired in Oslo and at Utoya is an attack on the Norwegian society we so treasure,” Eide said in a translated version of the speech. Later in the king’s speech, Eide recited, “I remain steadfast in my belief that freedom is stronger than fear.”
A Norwegian song titled “To the Youth” was sung afterward and remarks were given by Duluth City Council President Sharla Gardner as well as local pastors.
Gardner said she was proud of Duluth’s Scandinavian heritage.
“I think this is how people of Duluth respond to hatred,” she said. “We stand for peace.”
Pastor David Tryggestad of Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church led people in a peace-themed song and said, “May God bless the memory of those who died.”
The parents of all the children who were killed were on the mind of Pastor April Larson at First Lutheran Church.
“We have no words for what happened to these dear young ones,” she said.
After the speeches and music, attendees walked down to the Japanese Peace Bell and laid their flowers there while people rang the bell.
The event was personal for Diane Ege of Duluth, whose 17-year-old relative was at the camp on Utoya when the shooting began.
“She was on the island, swam for safety and was picked up by a boat,” Ege said.
Ege said the Duluth event helped her cope with the tragedy.
“It helped a lot being here,” she said. “It was nice feeling connected to people in the area.
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