National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims to be held on September 25 | Crime

The 5th annual observance of the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims will be commemorated on September 25th, with crime victim/survivor and public awareness activities taking place in hundreds of communities across America, including Columbia, South Carolina and our state as a whole.

The theme of this year’s National Day of Remembrance is “Remember, Remind, and Respect.”  This simple message reflect on survivors who remember all the happiness and joy that their loved ones brought into their lives and into our world; reminds America – as individuals and communities – of what has been lost as a result of senseless murder; and rightfully request respect – for the lives of their loved ones; for their rights as surviving family members of homicide victims; and for court processes that bring murderers to justice, and justice to victims.

Here in Columbia, SC, the National Day of Remembrance will be commemorated by a Silent March consisting of surviving parents, siblings, grandparents, spouses, other relatives, family friends, victim advocates, law enforcement, and other professionals from throughout South Carolina.  The Silent March will begin at the State Capitol at 5:00 p.m. and end at Arsenal Hill Park, 1101 Lincoln Street for a 6:00 p.m. Commemorative Service in memory of all South Carolina Homicide Victims.

 According to Marvin Bryant, Chapter Leader, the 2011 theme for the National Day of Remembrance is a “call to action” to all people in America who are concerned about homicide and other violent crimes.

“Those who share our concerns about the impact of murder should remember that they can make a significant difference in the lives of surviving family members of homicide by simply reaching out to them; remind themselves of the devastating impact of murder on our homes, neighborhoods, schools, businesses, tribal lands, and military bases, among other locations; and offer their personal respect for the lives of people who have been senselessly murdered, and for the ongoing needs of their surviving loved ones.”

For additional information contact Marvin Bryant, Founder/Chapter Leader at 803-414-4491, about local efforts sponsored by the South Carolina Chapter of the National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc.   http://www.pomc.com.