Tucson families, friends come together to remember loved ones lost
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Shaq Davis
Reporter
- Updated
Homicide Survivors National Day of Remembrance 2018
UpdatedFamilies and friends remembered their loved ones during the Homicide Survivors Inc., local event for the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims Tuesday night.
Homicide Survivors Inc., hosted the event at the Mercado San Agustin Annex. The National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims was designated by U.S. Congress on Sept. 25, 2007.
Sylvia Alvarez, a victim advocate with the Tucson nonprofit, came to the organization after her son was killed in 2015. She spoke about how becoming a victim advocate changed her life.
"I felt a feeling that had become somewhat foreign to me. I felt alive again, during this time I realized I was in fact healing," she said. "I was able to help others during the most tragic times in their lives."
Throughout the event, a video board displayed pictures of family members and friends lost to violence.
Performers from Flam Chen, a Tucson acrobatic and pyrotechnic group, also partnered with Homicide Survivors to perform at the memorial.
Watch: Flam Chen performance at National Day of Remembrance
UpdatedHomicide Survivors National Day of Remembrance
Updated
Sylvia Alvarez, a victim advocate with Homicide Survivors, Inc. shares the story about the loss of her son in 2015. In September 2017, Alvarez joined the organization as a victim advocate to support local families.
Homicide Survivors National Day of Remembrance
Updated
Angela Betancourt (left) and Melinda Betancourt, share the story about the loss of their niece Christine Betancourt, who was killed in February 2017. The Betancourt family started the CMB foundation, which continues to help spread domestic violence awareness in the community.
Homicide Survivors National Day of Remembrance
Updated
A video board displays pictures of loved ones killed. The Homicide Survivors Inc. hosted their local event for the National Day of Remembrance at the Mercado San Agustin Annex Sept. 25, 2018.
Flam Chen performance at National Day of Remembrance
UpdatedHomicide Survivors National Day of Remembrance
Updated
A performer from Flam Chen twirls during a performance for the Homicide Survivors National Day of Remembrance at Mercado San Agustin Annex Sept. 25, 2018.
Homicide Survivors National Day of Remembrance
Updated
The urn used during All Souls Procession Weekend in Tucson is displayed throughout the Homicide Survivors Inc., National Day of Remembrance at Mercado San Agustin Sept. 26, 2018.
Homicide Survivors National Day of Remembrance
Updated
Flam Chen performers pour fire to the ground during a performance at the Homicide Survivors National Day of Remembrance in the Mercado San Agustin Annex Sept. 25, 2018.
Shaq Davis
Reporter
