3rd Annual National Day of Remembrance

September 25th is the day set aside each year to honor those lives lost due to homicide. Many resulting from domestic violence, gang violence, and includes fallen police officers. Tributes across the country honored those lost and brought families together to comfort one another. I had the privilege of attending one of the largest ceremonies in the country, in downtown Los Angeles, then driving to Ventura County to experience their more intimate memorial. Each touched my heart deeply, in different ways yet with common elements. Overwhelming for me, as a survivor of attempted murder, was that I had the privilege to be there...that my family members weren't there remembering my life. In Los Angeles and Oxnard, I was able to connect with less fortunate families honoring their loved ones. I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Henry Nicholas, III who co-authored and was instrumental in the passage of Marsy's KLaw, the Crime Victims Bill of Rights.
Humbly, he says call me Nick. Since his sister was murdered in 1983 in an upscale SoCal neighborhood, he and his family have made the crime victims bill of rights their live's work.
Nick explained that his sister's killer was released on bail pending trial (their family was not notified) and his mother encountered the killer in the grocery store!When previously the only victim's right was restitution...thanks to Marsy's Law, in California we have the right to be informed and participate in hearings. A movement underway for ratification of a national constitutional amendment, "Nick" is leading the charge...physically and financially. Visit www.MarsysLAWforALL.org for additonal information.
Among other speakers included Cal. Attorney General Jerry Brown, Sheriff Lee Baca, LAPD Police Chief Jim McDonald. Family members carried signs with pictures of fallen loved ones, hundreds of pairs of shoes lined the stage. The ceremony concluded with a release of doves and families marching thru the plaza behind the courthouse at Temple/Grand. Sadly, so many were acknowledged, reading the roster of those honored was lengthy and did not allow for connection with each family's story. In addition to Marsys Law, other non-profit organizations present included Parents of Murdered Children, Women Against Gun Violence, Drive By Agony, Friends & Families of Murder Victims, Justice for Homicide Victims, Loved Ones Healing Center, Crime Stoppers (annonymous tip line), Unity and Peace (Scholarship Fund) and countless government agencies. The impact and scope of this event was staggering.
In Ventura County, the event was coordinated by Parents of Murdered Children. In this community entire families came out to honor their loved ones. Each homicide victim was individually honored, not just by a reading of their names. Each family who experienced loss due to homicide, released a dove in their memory followed by a big-screen movie collage highlighting each life lost. Denise Brown (sister of Nicole Brown Simpson) spoke of her loss, which is classified as an unsolved homicide. Denise spoke about the first time she met OJ Simpson and her sister's 17 year relationship with him. As sisters, Denise and Nicole were extremely tight; still Nicole didn't confide in Denise. Nicole did keep journals, found after her murder, describing her 17 year horror. Denise spoke about the teachings she provided her son and Nicole's children to break the cycle of violence. Brown's close long-time friend, Denise Ballester, serves as Executive Director to the Nicole Brown Foundation. The organization is focusing on delivering education and program services moreso than granting funds to other non-profit organizations. I look forward to working closely with Denise Brown and Denise Ballester to raise funds and awareness for prevention of domestic violence.
Throughout the day, it was absolutely evident those most active in the movement are not simply doing their jobs, they and their families are stakeholders for life. The price paid in blood of their lost loved ones, these mothers, sisters, fathers, brothers, sons and daughters dedicate their lives to making a difference. As a survivor of attempted murder, my own horrific experience cannot even come close to theirs. My day concluded in deep humility and gratitude. I look forward to building the heartfelt connections made 9/25/09 and how I may support their valiant efforts. EVERY LIFE MATTERS. WE WILL NOT FORGET. BE AWARE and BE SAFE. YOU are loved...consider yourself hugged.