Augusta, Maine – On a serene Sunday, the community of Augusta came together at the Holy Family Cemetery to solemnly remember the lives of 44 murder victims, including those tragically lost in the Lewiston mass shootings last year. The ceremony marked an emotional re-dedication of the Maine Murder Victims’ Memorial Monument, where the names of the deceased are forever etched in stone as a poignant reminder of lives cut short.
During the annual gathering organized by the Maine Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children, families and friends held close, sharing grief and memories. Arthur Jette, a co-leader of the group, underscored the importance of memory in his address to the attendees. “They too shall live and love, for they will always remain a part of us, so long as we remember them,” he said, his voice steady and resolved.
Jette solemnly read each new name added to the granite memorial, a powerful moment that brought quiet sobs and tears among the crowd. The monument, first dedicated in 2013, now lists hundreds of names. Each engraving not only acknowledges the victim but also offers solace to families by solidifying their loved one’s legacy in the community’s heart.
The ceremony held a special significance this year as it included the victims of the Lewiston shootings, one of the deadliest events in Maine’s history. Family members, upon hearing their loved ones’ names, received a rose and an embrace, symbolic gestures that brought a slight reprieve to their mourning.
Jette explained that the ceremony serves a dual purpose: It not only commemorates the victims but also fosters a supportive community for the bereaved. “The experience they share is one that they’ve all had, so it makes it easier to discuss, easier to accept,” he noted. He further emphasized the value of building a network of support, a community where the bereaved can find a compassionate ear and shared understanding.
Among the attendees was Shannon Richard, who came to remember her son, Daniel Ford-Coates, who was tragically killed in Bangor earlier in the year. Grieving yet grateful for the community’s support, Richard found solace in the collective remembrance. “He was friends with every single person he ever met, and he was their support every time they ever needed something,” she recalled.
For Richard and many others, the memorial provides a tangible space of remembrance and healing. “This unveiling and this monument itself is a really great recognition. Just their name permanently somewhere that says ‘we remember them’ is really important,” Richard expressed with a mix of sorrow and reverence.
As the ceremony concluded, the sense of community was palpable. It was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of collective memory. The Maine Murder Victims’ Memorial Monument stands not only as a somber reminder of the fragility of life but also as a beacon of hope and solidarity, ensuring that the names and stories of those who have passed on will never be forgotten.