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WE WILL NOT FORGET: CITY-WIDE DAY OF REMEMBRANCE DECLARED

The community unites to honor the memories of loved ones on the one year commemoration of the 2006 Capitol Hill Shootings

SEATTLE, WA. - On Sunday, March 25, 2007 , Mayor Greg Nickels will speak at a community organized event at Seattle Center to declare March 25th a city-wide Day of Remembrance for all those affected by violent crime. The Mayor's proclamation is issued in support of the community of parents, survivors, local arts organizations, and local businesses, who will be commemorating the day itself from1p to 6pm at Seattle Center's Fisher Pavilion. The public is invited to join together in remembrance to celebrate the lives of those lost and offer love and support to everyone impacted by violent crime, including the tragic shootings on Capitol Hill last year.

The idea for this commemorative event came from Garry Boulden, Victim Advocate at the Seattle Police Department, who organized a series of gatherings and events in the past year at Capitol Hill Arts Center to create a strong support network for the families, friends and survivors of those who were lost in the shootings. Mr. Boulden, in the weeks immediately following the shootings, vowed to the community that "this city will not forget you," and made plans for regular group get-togethers, a holiday gathering and this one year commemoration.

The City has not forgotten. One year later, the Mayor's office arranged the donation of Seattle Center's Fisher Pavilion for the event, which will feature speeches from parents and survivors as well as the Mayor and Chief of Police Gil Kerlikowske. The Day of Remembrance will also include poetry and musical performances, with some performers flying in from around the country at their own expense to support the Seattle community. Local businesses have donated food and refreshments, visual artists will be hosting an exhibit as well as a craft station for public to make their own Remembrance mementos. A slide show has been created to share pictures of those lost, with parents wanting the public to truly meet and know the beautiful individuals who are now gone from us, and not to simply remember them as "victims".

The event will culminate in the release of bubbles to the sky to represent the soaring spirits of the children, and the community rising together in commemoration and hope for a better future.

Last Minute Saviors: "Put It On Our Bill"

In the final weeks of preparation, last minute financial challenges and difficult union negotiations threatened the event and organizers scrambled and desperately searched for a solution. After hearing of these problems, Brian Faker, Producing Director of the Seattle International Children's Festival, contacted the event organizers to offer assistance. When the organizers explained the escalating event costs, Faker replied: "Put it on our bill. Kids must be able to dance in Seattle," said Faker, "It's all for the children/Every Way Every Day/Children Get to Dance/Every Way Every Day."

Sponsors

The memorial event is sponsored by the City of Seattle and Mayor Greg Nickels, Temple of Light, Seattle Police Department, Seattle International Children's Festival, Capitol Hill Arts Center and the parents and friends of those who lost their lives on Capitol Hill the morning of March 25, 2006. Other supporters and contributors include Lake City Florist, Stay Safe Seattle, Claire's Pantry (Lake City, WA), Madison Market (Seattle , WA) and Fred Meyer ( Lake City, WA )

Capitol Hill Shootings

The Capitol Hill Shootings occurred on the morning of Saturday, March 25, 2006, when 28-year-old Kyle Aaron Huff entered a rave after-party in the southeast part of Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood and opened fire, killing six and wounding two before turning the gun on himself.

Schedule for Day of Remembrance

The schedule of events and performances are as follows:

1:00p: Doors open to public, Music by Badpioneer

1:30p: Welcome to Day of Remembrance

1:35p: Mayor Greg Nickels

1:45p: Amani Loutfy (Temple of Light) receives proclamation

1:50p: Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske

2:00p: Parents speak

2:30p: Other Survivors speak

2:45: Spoken Word by Joshua the Scribe

3:00p: Music by DJ Fabulous! & Slide Shows

3:35p: Open Mic

4:05p: Music by Sonny Chiba & Slide Shows

4:45-5:30p: Slides & Music by Jimni Cricket vs. Doughboy

5:30p: Outdoor Bubble Release in Seattle Center

Press Note:

If you are planning to attend the event, please check in at the press reception area. Press passes will be issued upon your entry at the event. Due to the emotional nature of this event, we respectfully request that all interviews and photographs occur in this press area or outside the Pavilion. This request comes directly from the parents, survivors and their loved ones. Please know that we invite you to attend with open arms and welcome your presence at the event!