Norway Holds First Funerals for July 22 Victims

One week after Anders Behring Breivik's Oslo massacre, Norwegians have gathered around the country for a day of memorial.

Two large services, as well as the first funerals, are being held Friday. Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg and the Labour Party are leading a memorial at "People's House" assembly hall in Oslo.

"Today it is one week since Norway was hit by evil," Stoltenberg said at the service.

"We have to live with July 22, but together we will make it," he said from a stage adorned with red roses, the symbol of his governing Labour Party.

Another service is taking place at a mosque in the capital. Breivik, who espoused anti-Muslim and anti-immigration views, felt that he was beginning a war against Islam in Europe.

The first funeral was held. Bano Rashid, who fled Iraq with her family in 1996, was buried in a church. Mourners read Christian and Muslim prayers. There will more funerals throughout the day.

Foreign leaders have been showing their support, and sadness. U.S. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden visited the Norwegian ambassador's residence on Tuesday, writing notes to the people of Norway.

“To the people of Norway - We are all heartbroken by the tragic loss of so many people, particularly youth with the fullness of life ahead of them. No words can ease the sorrow, but please know the thoughts and prayers of all Americans are with the people of Norway and we will stand beside you every step of the way,” President Obama wrote.

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu is visiting Norway next week to show his solidarity, saying he commends the country's response to the tragedy.

“I appreciate Norway’s attitude in handling the issue,” Davuto?lu said Thursday while visiting the Norwegian Embassy in Ankara.

In New Zealand, Rex Matthews, the grandfather of Sharidyn Svebakk-Bohn (14) -- the youngest victim of the shooting -- is trying to raise money for a flight to Norway, so he can attend the funeral. The service is expected to be held next week, but the cost a of last minute airplane flight is prohibitively expensive for the family. Matthews has never met his granddaughter, nor left New Zealand.

Breivik, who planted a bomb at government headquarters in Oslo before going on a shooting spree at a youth-politician summer camp on Utøya island, has been charged with terrorism. He is currently in police custody, awaiting a September trial. Terrorism carries a maximum sentence of 21 years, but if he is charged with crimes against humanity, he could be sentenced to 30 years. There are also life sentences imposed in Norway, although they are rare.