This quilt with the pictures of murder victims will travel to Washington, DC, next year for the national conference of Parents of Murdered Children (www.pomc.org). Submitted photo.
Beth David, Editor
Parents of Murder Children (POMC) Southeastern Mass. chapter held their eight candlelight vigil for non-violence and to honor those who have died by violence, hoping to help family members give each other support and bring awareness to the long road faced by family members after a murder.
POMC SE Mass. Chapter leader Anne Murphy, who was voted SC Woman of the year last year for her work with people affected by homicide, speaks to those gathered for a vigil on Sunday, 12/3. at the Unitarian Memorial Church in Fairhaven. Submitted photo.
The group lined the pathway of the Unitarian Memorial Church in Fairhaven with luminary bags with the names and photos of loved ones on Sunday 10/3.
The theme this year was “As long as I Breathe You Will Be Remembered,” according to a statement by Chapter Co-Leader Susan Fitzgerald, whose son Joshua was stabbed to death after a fight at the VFW in Fairhaven in April of 2008.
A quilt with photos of the victims being honored was displayed at the service. The quilt will travel to Washington, DC, next August for the National POMC conference.
“We had a memorial table with photos of our loved ones with inspirational rocks and ornaments for all who attended,” wrote Ms. Fitzgerald.
The ceremony opened with a conch shell being blown by violinist Atzik Marques of Martha’s Vineyard, with Courtney Fitzgerald and Marykate Fredette.
“Our singer, Linda Calise and guitarist, Alex performed healing songs to a full house, including victim advocates from the Bristol County DA’s office,” wrote Ms. Fitzgerald. “Tears were shed amid much support among all the families there honoring their loved ones who were taken too soon by senseless violence. There was healing there for the broken hearted.”
Luminaries line the pathway at the Unitarian Memorial Church in Fairhaven on Sunday, 12/3, for a candlelight vigil sponsored by the Southeastern Mass. chapter of Parents of Murdered Children (www.pomc.org). Submitted photo.
Ms. Fitzgerald said the healing process can take a long time, much longer when murder involved.
“With the court cases taking years, and then appeals and paroles each time reopening the wounds, it never ends,” said Ms. Fitzgerald. “We are here to support families as they go through this process.”
POMC is a non-profit National Organization for families and friends who have endured the pain of losing a loved one from violence. We offer support, advocacy and education to members and to the public. We meet every third Thursday of the month at the Fairhaven Unitarian Church from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information please call 617-947-1639 or visit www.pomc.org
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