Vigil Remembers Slain Children

Thelma Sardin |

Hearts were heavy at St. Sabina Church on Sep. 25 during a candlelight vigil that honored the lives of slain children. The Chicago Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children, Inc. (POM) hosted the event occurred simultaneously with other chapters across the country in honor of the organizations National Day of Remembrance. Vernadette Greenleaf, a POM member, viewed the vigil as, support for surviving victims, she said. POM recognizes parents as victims because of the traumatic loss and sudden shock in the murder of a child. Greenleaf continued by adding losing a child, [is] a burden that you bear for the rest of your life and sometimes people forget.

Many families in attendance at the vigil wore shirts with pictures of their loved ones. Some parents clutched their childrens photos to their chests while others shared embraces and gave encouraging words. Peggie Porter, mother of Nezery Porter-Goolsby, believed the vigil presented a strong message regarding the communitys response about the insurgence of gun violence. People are not laying down and taking it, she said. Maria Ramirez, POM member, said the pain parents feel will not ease quickly, if at all. Grief does not have a timetable, she said.

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