“A marble of verdant Greek origin” might sound like the start of an odyssey. But here, it marks a place of somber reflection. This is En record i homenatge a les víctimes del terrorisme. This monument stands as a testament to the victims of terror.
In 2017 Barcelona and Cambrils suffered devastating attacks. Ripoll, a nearby town was home to the terrorists. Ripoll inaugurated this sculpture to honor the sixteen lives lost. Hundreds more were injured in those attacks.
The En record i homenatge a les víctimes del terrorisme sculpture is by local artist Domènec Batalla. It features a metal plaque bearing the names of the sixteen victims. The monument also has the inscription ‘to the comtal town of Ripoll, to the victims of the attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils’.
The sculpture includes fourteen holes and two little angels. These symbolize the sixteen different worlds of each victim.
Silvia Orriols, the mayor of Ripoll, wanted to counter the shameful homage. According to her, the previous homage seemed more focused on the families of the murderers than the victims. She hopes Ripoll will be remembered as the town that rose against terrorism.
The En record i homenatge a les víctimes del terrorisme was unveiled in August 2024 seven years after the attacks. Some victims and families attended the simple solid act.
Robert Manrique a victim of the Hipercor attack spoke. He criticized the lack of institutional support for victims. Manrique thanked Ripoll for installing the monument despite not directly suffering the terrorist attack. He urged other cities to follow suit.
One of the most touching moments was when the families gave Ripoll’s council the Iron Man toy. It belonged to the seven-year-old Australian boy who died in the Barcelona attack. The boy’s mother wanted the toy to watch over Ripoll ensuring no more harm comes to the town.
During the ceremony victims family authorities and security forces laid floral tributes at the monument. Everyone could place a white carnation before the monolith.
The En record i homenatge a les víctimes del terrorisme is more than stone and metal. It represents a community’s resolve to remember to heal and to stand united against terror. Take a moment to reflect on the lives touched by tragedy. Remember the importance of solidarity and peace.