Families remember loved ones at Crime Victim Memorial
By Jenna Wilson
A remembrance ceremony will honor victims of crimes Tuesday evening at the Buchanan County Courthouse.
The Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is inviting the community to its annual Crime Victim Tree Lighting Memorial. The event gives families the opportunity to honor their loved ones and bond with others who have shared a similar experience.
The memorial starts at 5 p.m. with a program beginning at 5:15 inside the Buchanan County Courthouse. Those attending are invited to place ornaments on a tree on the north side of the courthouse in honor of crime victims.
“We’ve lost count but the prosecuting office has held this event for over 25 years,” said Siobhan Jackson, a victim’s advocate with the Buchanan County Prosecuting Office. “It’s always been an integral part of this time of year for our office to do this for the victims that have been lost to crime because we’ve worked pretty closely with a lot of these families and we want to let them know we haven’t forgotten.”
Thanksgiving and Christmas can be difficult for families grieving the life of a loved one and events like this are just one way to bring the community closer and help individuals create meaning during the holidays, even while suffering a loss.
“Glaring at an empty spot at the dinner table is hard enough for anyone,” Jackson added. “So many within our community have lost someone that was important in their lives too. Having that support from others experiencing grieving can save someone.”
Crime victims can place ornaments on the Christmas tree located outside of the northside of the Buchanan County courthouse which will remain through the New Year’s holiday.
