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Local Residents Create Memorial For Conn. Victims

by KREX News Room
by Courtney Griffin

Story Created: Dec 19, 2012 at 6:32 PM MDT

Story Updated: Dec 20, 2012 at 9:37 AM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- Members of the community went into action to remember the fallen victims of the mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.

Hard work was inspired by tragedy early Wednesday morning in the cold, snowy weather.

"Losing a child, I think, is the worst thing that could ever happen to somebody," said Carrie Biesecker, volunteer and mother of two.

Despite Grand Junction being more than 2,000 miles away from where the incomprehensible mass shooting took place, residents in the Grand Valley are remembering the lives that were lost.

"Just imagining what those parents felt like, that waited in the fire station. The ones who were the last ones waiting to find out about their kids. You just can't imagine what they felt," said Biesecker.

A group of about 10 volunteers created a memorial near the intersection of First Street and Grand Avenue to honor those who lost their lives during the morning hours of Dec. 14.

"The inside [of the memorial], 20 angels that we lost, and the six outside are the six heroes that tried to protect the little angels," said Richard Heintz, organizer of the memorial.

Inches of snow on the ground didn't stop volunteers from making sure that 26 trees were standing, and that each one was topped off with bows and decorations.Each tree also featured an angel plate with a different victim's name on it.

"It doesn't matter if it's raining or snowing, we want to be out here. We're here to show that we have very much been touched by this," said Heintz.

It's a place folks can visit to remember and mourn. For some, it's a time to reflect; to try and find new ways to make a change.

"I hope that new things come about from this, to ensure their safety, and the safety of everybody," said Biesecker.

"We need to change it, some way we have to come up with a way. A
plan, that no more innocent people get killed by a random shooting like this," said Heintz.

A tragedy too big for words, that brings people together, no matter the distance.

"We're all a community, and we have to take care of each other. Even though they are really far away, we feel it," said Biesecker.

Organizers say the memorial was made possible because of donations given by the community.

Walmart donated the trees, and Xcel Energy helped light the trees.

Residents are encouraged to help decorate the memorial by putting out ornaments.

The memorial will be up until Jan. 2.

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Local Mom said on Wednesday, Dec 19 at 9:57 PM

It would be great to have a gathering on Christmas Eve here and maybe even have some caroling to remember those 20 angels and their 6 heroes.

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