By Alberto Suris
The Day of Remembrance of Murdered Victims in the Lawrence area was held in a hall of The Center, adorned with white balloons, some in the form of angels, on Saturday, September 28th. Victims already total 182, since Lee Fickenworth, its founder, started 6 years ago.
With emotional words, Fickenworth welcomed the attendees, and among them was Mayor Daniel Rivera, who also excitedly handed her a City Proclamation. At the same time he received a set of engraved pen set given by Lee.
Among the speakers was Police Chief Roy Vasque, who highlighted the way in which the family and the community are affected by the news of a murder. Also Samuel “Polo” Pierre, wearing a shirt with the photo of his friend Michelet Cadet Jr. spoke about his experience when he learned of Cadet’s death.
Linette Pérez, Marilyn Fantauzzi, Denise Murray, Michelee Geronimo, Denise Donlan, Frank Campos, Pastor of Community Christian Fellowship; Laetin Martínez and Lee Fickenworth read the names of their loved ones.
The Lawrence High School Choir provided appropriate music. After finishing reading the names, the intensity of the lights was reduced so that the victims’ families could meditate and comfort each other.
