A Hartford-based anti-violence organization, Mothers United Against Violence (MUAV), held its 21st annual Remembrance Day at Sigourney Park Sunday evening. The event aimed to help families who have been impacted by gun violence remember and honor their loved ones.

Supporting Families Affected by Violence

Rev. Henry Brown with MUAV said, “We want people to know that, yes, you loved your loved one, but they’re never going to be forgotten.” The organization has been a source of support for many families, including 5-year-old Eddy Garcia, whose father was shot and killed five years ago. Eddy never got to meet his dad and said, “I wish my father was alive. I really miss you.”

MUAV has become like a family to Eddy, and his aunt, Beverly Garcia, praised the organization, saying, “It’s a great group, they show so much love to one another.” Another family, the Holloways, also found support in MUAV after their teenager was killed in a hit-and-run accident in December. Holli Holloway said, “They’ve been here since the second day of the accident. They’ve never left my life.”

Deborah Davis with MUAV emphasized the importance of families becoming anti-violence advocates, saying, “They get a chance to really put forth their hat and say, ‘Hey, I want to take my stand in this community.’ No more violence and stop the violence.”

Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.