Idea Of Permanent Memorial For Theater Shooting Victims Gains Momentum On Anniversary
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) - Monday marks three years since the Aurora theater shooting and the community is honoring the victims.
Monday morning heartfelt messages lined the road near where the massacre happened. Twelve crosses are displayed for those who died and 70 teddy bears for all those injured.
The same crosses have marked the area of Alameda Avenue and Sable Street every year since the shooting.
The third anniversary comes just days after gunman James Holmes was convicted of all 165 counts in the mass shooting. Holmes' sentencing phase begins Wednesday. As the trial phase comes to an end momentum for a permanent memorial continues to grow.
"We need to remember the good of these people, these victims that have perished and the impact they had on our lives," cross keeper Todd Ponton said. "I want us to always remember that, not just on every July 20, but year round."
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"I think it's extremely important because the families of the people that were lost need to hear those names and need to see those names and need to see people that they don't know acknowledging that loss," Aurora resident Laura Chapman said.
People are encouraged to write messages on the crosses, which will be in place until Tuesday.
The City of Aurora has talked about a memorial garden, expanding the city's current xeriscape garden next to the Municipal Center.
"Anything that is going to make the community remember I'm behind 100 percent," Ponton said.
Ponton believed the families of the victims should be part of the consultation process for a permanent memorial.
"Because they know those who have perished better than anyone else," he said.
A large amount of money has previously been raised for a similar memorial. The circular memorial in Littleton dedicated to the 1999 victims at Columbine High School cost $1.5 million.
On Sunday the Heritage Christian Center in Aurora also honored the victims. A candle burned for each of the 12 lives lost inside theater. Bishop Dennis Leonard preached a message of healing and restoration and Gov. John Hickenlooper also spoke. The memorial service honored not only the victims but the dozens of survivors.
