Day of remembrance for murder victims

To the editor:
    September 25, 2010 will mark the fourth annual National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims. The Maine Chapter, National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children, (POMC) will commemorate the Maine Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims on Friday, Sept. 24, from 1-3 p.m., in the Maine State Capitol, Hall of Flags. This observance will pay tribute to the hundreds of Maine citizens who have been murdered in Maine’s history.
    Governor John Baldacci has issued a proclamation designating the Maine Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims. Speakers will include Rev. Peter Panagore, First Radio Parish of America; Maine State Police Col. Richard Flemming; Ruth Jewell, program coordinator, Penobscot Nation Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services, and Arthur Jette, Maine Chapter, Parents Of Murdered Children. Maine Attorney General Janet Mills may also address the families and friends of victims. Solo vocalists, Cindy Greenwood-Young, Bill Fink and Tina Charest will provide songs of inspiration; and memorial tables and awareness campaigns will also be on display.
    The Maine Chapter, Parents Of Murdered Children has provided support services for surviving family members of murder victims in Maine, for more than 20 years. Additionally, the organization seeks to increase the public’s awareness to the prevention of violence and murder, through a variety of programs, and is continuing its work to create a permanent memorial monument, dedicated to victims of homicide, which will be located 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 of their loved one, for our memorial display table. For more information, call (207) 277-3518, or (207) 623-8642
Arthur Jette, Maine Chapter leader
Parents Of Murdered Children
Cambridge