News

Lewiston Marks One Year Since Tragic Shooting with Night of Love and Healing

On the evening of October 25, 2024, the community of Lewiston gathered in The Colisée to commemorate the one-year anniversary of a devastating mass shooting that claimed the lives of 18 individuals. As the clock struck 6:56 p.m., a moment of silence enveloped the venue, honoring the victims of that fateful night when a gunman opened fire at Just-In-Time Recreation. The somber atmosphere was palpable as attendees reflected on the loss and the resilience of their community.

Remembering the Victims

The ceremony was a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the families forever changed. Among those honored were individuals from various walks of life, each with their own stories and connections to the community.

  • Victims of the Lewiston Shooting:
    • Ronald G. Morin, 55
    • Peyton Brewer-Ross, 40
    • Joshua Seal, 36
    • Bryan MacFarlane, 41
    • Joseph Lawrence Walker, 57
    • Arthur Fred Strout, 42
    • Maxx Hathaway, 35
    • Stephen Vozzella, 45
    • Thomas Ryan Conrad, 34
    • Michael Deslauriers II, 51
    • Jason Adam Walker, 51
    • Tricia Asselin, 53
    • William Young, 44
    • Aaron Young, 14
    • Robert Violette, 76
    • Lucille Violette, 73
    • William Frank Brackett, 48
    • Keith Macneir, 64

Family members, mental health professionals, and faith leaders took to the stage to share their thoughts on love, loss, and the strength of community. Master of Ceremonies Tom Caron emphasized the importance of remembering the love that persists even in the face of tragedy. “Let us try to remember this night tonight for the love and continued healing we find in our community,” he said.

Lewiston-mass-shooting-anniversary-memorial

A Community United in Healing

The event was not just a memorial; it was a celebration of resilience and unity. Liz Seal, whose husband was among the victims, spoke about the interconnectedness of the community. She highlighted how the tragedy revealed the deep ties that bind the residents of Lewiston.

“It’s true when they say that Maine is one big, small town,” Seal remarked, sharing personal anecdotes that illustrated the shared experiences of the victims and their families. The empty seats adorned with blue hearts bearing the names of the deceased served as a powerful visual reminder of the lives lost and the love that remains.

The ceremony echoed sentiments expressed in previous vigils, with Rev. Sarah Gillespie reiterating the enduring power of love. “A love that cannot be gunned down, a love that cannot be threatened or terrorized,” she said, emphasizing that healing is a journey, not a destination.

A Call for Accountability

As the community gathered to heal, discussions about accountability also emerged. Investigations into the shooting revealed failures by the U.S. Army Reserve and local authorities to address the mental health issues of the shooter, Robert Card II. Victims’ families announced plans to sue the U.S. Defense Department and other entities for negligence, seeking justice for the lives lost and the pain inflicted.

Joanna Stokinger, a lead advocate at the Maine Resiliency Center, expressed hope for the community’s future. “I have had 364 days of seeing people heal, of watching survivors serving others,” she said, acknowledging the complexity of the healing process. “It’s okay to have all the feelings, and it’s okay to not be okay.”

Leaders Stand in Solidarity

The anniversary event drew attendance from state leaders and lawmakers, all united in their support for the Lewiston community. Maine Senate President Troy Jackson reflected on the heroism displayed during the tragedy, stating, “On the darkest night in our state’s history, Mainers took actions that saved lives.”

The presence of local and state officials underscored the collective commitment to healing and resilience. Speaker of the Maine House Rachel Talbot Ross noted the profound impact of the tragedy, stating, “The impact of this tragedy rippled across our entire state, reminding us of how closely connected we truly are.”

As the community continues to navigate the aftermath of the shooting, the spirit of unity and love remains a guiding force, reminding everyone that healing is possible, even in the face of unimaginable loss.

Comments

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *