To the editor:
September 25, 2012 will mark the sixth annual National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims. The Maine Chapter, National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children and Other Survivors of Homicide Victims, (POMC) will commemorate the Maine Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims on Sunday, Sept. 25, from 1-3 p.m. in the Fireplace Room, Randall Center, University of Maine, Augusta. This observance will pay tribute to the hundreds of Maine related citizens who have been murdered.
Past event programs have included remarks from speakers including the Governor, Attorney General, Maine State Police Colonel, as well as leaders of victims’ assistance organizations and survivors of those whose lives have been ended at the hands of another. Songs of inspiration and hope and prayers of invocation and benediction are offered. Survivors and others will again be privileged to have the Empty Place at The Table memorial on display, courtesy of New Hope for Women.
Not only is it meaningful for our loved ones to be remembered, it is important for the public to recognize that any murder has devastating effects on our communities, and the pain endured by their families and friends who must re-live the nightmare for the remainder of their lives.
The Maine Chapter, Parents Of Murdered Children has provided support services for surviving family members of murder victims, as well as murder prevention programs for more than twenty-two years, and is currently working to create a permanent memorial monument, dedicated to homicide victims, for placement in Augusta.
The event is free, and open to the public. Refreshments will be served following the program. Those who have lost someone to homicide are encouraged to bring a framed, free-standing photo, and any small personal item of their loved one, for our memorial display table. For more information, or directions call (207) 277-3518 or (207) 623-8642.
Arthur Jette,
Maine chapter leader
Parents Of Murdered Children
