Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of the shooting in Tucson, AZ that killed six people and wounded 13 others, including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. A federal judge and a nine year old were among those killed.
Ms. Giffords has made a truly miraculous recovery and improves daily. The wounded have mostly returned to work. The community is recovering. Two of Ms. Giffords' staffers, Ron Barber and Pam Simon, both shot that day, have made countless appearances promoting civility. Ron is the founder of the Fund for Civility, Respect and Understanding.
Six people were killed that day. They are:
Christina-Taylor Green, 9.
Dorothy "Dot" Morris, 76, a retired secretary from Oro Valley.
John Roll, 63, chief judge of the U.S. District Court for Arizona, named to the federal bench by President George H. W. Bush in 1991.
Phyllis Schneck, 79, homemaker from Tucson.
Dorwan Stoddard, 76, retired construction worker,
Gabriel "Gabe" Zimmerman, 30, community outreach director for Giffords,and a member of Giffords' staff since 2006.
Commemorative events began earlier this week.
Judge Roll was honored yesterday at a special session of US District Court and remembered as a man of
"'exceptionally good character" who was humble, an excellent listener, genuinely caring and able to inspire those around him to do their best."
A trailhead was dedicated to Gabe Zimmerman, another Giffords staffer who was killed, last January 8. A handsome tile image of Gabe graces the trailhead, a place Gabe loved to hike.
A park where the youngest victim, little Christina Taylor-Greene, played was renamed in her honor.
There are many activities throughout the community today.
Today's activities were coordinated through a group called BEYOND started by Gabe Zimmerman's extended family.
BEYOND commemorates the tragedy of January 8th, celebrates the spirit of togetherness we felt in the days and months afterward, and commits us to working together to build a stronger community through our actions every day.
Tomorrow's activities, which will be more somber, were organized through Remembering January 8th.
A list of tomorrow's activities is here.
The day will end with a Candlelight Vigil on the mall at the University of Arizona. Congresswoman Giffords will attend:
he Remembering January 8th Candlelight Vigil will honor the victims and survivors of that heartbreaking day.
Community members are encouraged to attend and show their support for the families of victims and the survivors.
The Tucson Symphony Orchestra will perform and confirmed speakers include:
Honorable Jonathan Rothschild, Mayor, City of Tucson
Dr. Peter, Rhee, Chief, Division of Trauma, Critical Care and Emergency Surgery, The University of Arizona Medical Center
Mark Kelly, Captain, USN (Retired) Spouse, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords
The emcee for the evening will be Ron Barber, survivor and founder of the Fund for Civility, Respect and Understanding.
Think of us Tucsonans this weekend, and spread kindness in your own community. Peace.