FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 7, 2010
CONTACT:Yang Zhao,MCVRC
301-952-0063
yang@mdcrimevictims.org
National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims
Slated for September 25, 2010
Washington, D.C. --- The 4th annual observance of the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims will be commemorated on September 25, with crime victim/survivor and public awareness activities taking place in Washington, D.C. and in hundreds of communities across America.
In our nation’s capital, professionals and volunteers from homicide support and crime victim assistance organizations from across the country at 1:00 p.m. will join with surviving family members of murder victims at "Supporting Survivors: A Forum for Discussion” to explore issues survivors face, and ways that their needs can be best identified and met. At 5:30 p.m., the National Forum will culminate with the ceremonial unveiling of the “Murder Wall…Honoring Their Memories,” a powerful exhibit provided by the National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children (POMC) inscribed with the names of thousands of murder victims (additional information about the National Forum and Observance is available at http://dayofremembrance.eventbrite.com).
The theme of this year’s National Day of Remembrance is “Remember; Remind; and Respect.” This simple message reflects 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 murders; 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.
According to the Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center’s executive director, Russell P. Butler, the 2010 theme for the National Day of Remembrance is a “call to action” to all people in America who are concerned about homicide and the family survivors of the homicide victim.
“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 on-going needs of their surviving loved ones.”
“People in our community can let their voices be heard about how murder affects us all,“ Butler continued. “POMC and the Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. are also sponsoring a national online survey to hear from survivors, justice officials, crime victim advocates and concerned community members about three areas that affect survivors of murder victims: (1) family relationship dynamics following a homicide; (2) the roles of law enforcement and survivors of homicide victims; and (3) helping survivors access victim services and rights. We encourage members of our community to visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/W85FVQP and complete a brief online survey about how we can improve in these three areas for the benefit of surviving family members of murder victims.”
For additional information about local efforts sponsored by chapters of the National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc. and for additional information about POMC please call toll-free 888-818-POMC, or visit POMC’s website at http://www.pomc.com. For additional information about the Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. please call toll-free 877-VICTIM-1, or visit MCVRC’s website at http://www.mdcrimevictims.org.
To register for the National Forum or Memorial Service, please visit: http://dayofremembrance.eventbrite.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
