Share
News

San Bernardino Remembers Victims of Deadly Islamist Attack with Plans for Memorial

Share

Survivors of a terrorist attack that killed 14 people at a holiday party east of Los Angeles observed the fifth anniversary of the massacre on Wednesday, and officials unveiled plans for a memorial to honor the dead.

A private memorial ceremony that also included families of the slain was held outside the San Bernardino County Government Center, where the memorial will be built.

Family members laid white roses at the site, the San Bernardino Sun reported.

One survivor, Kevin Ortiz, joined others in laying flowers at the scene of the shooting.

“Today is a tough day. It definitely brings back memories,” Ortiz told KNBC-TV. “I was actually shot six times.”

Ortiz said recovering has been a long process.

“After 21 days in the hospital, physical and psychological therapy as well, I finally feel like I’m in a lot better place,” he said, adding of the survivors: “It’s definitely something we can’t forget. Something that does not go to the back of our mind. We think about it daily.”

Syed Rizwan Farook, 28, and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, 29, shot and killed 14 people and wounded 22 others who were attending a holiday party for San Bernardino County health services workers. Farook worked with the victims.

Minutes later, a post on a Facebook page associated with Malik pledged allegiance to the leader of the Islamic State terror group.

The couple were later killed in a gunfight with police.

“It forever changed our lives,” Supervisor Josie Gonzales said after the private gathering. “Today, we start rebuilding what has been torn apart, in the form of a memorial.”

Plans were formally announced to build a “Curtain of Courage” at the site.

A committee composed of family members of the victims, shooting survivors and first responders is helping develop the plans, according to Gonzales, who chairs the committee.

The memorial, designed by noted Oakland, California, architect Walter Hood, will consist of 14 alcoves — one for each of the dead — created by a series of curving bronze and steel panels with colored glass pieces.

Related:
'ALL HELL TO PAY': Trump Sends Warning to the Middle East as He Moves to Free Hostages

The panels with the wave-like alcoves will stretch on either side of a walkway.

“The panels simulate the curvature of a curtain and are situated around sitting areas to create a place of healing and reflection by evoking an image of a prism’s eternal sparkle,” a county statement said.

“We didn’t want the space to be of sorrow, we want it to be of light, we want it to be of remembrance,” Hood said.

The cost and completion date of the memorial will be determined later, but supervisors have set aside $1 million for the project, county spokesman David Wert told the Sun.


[jwplayer s641Q2Iy]

The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.

Truth and Accuracy

Submit a Correction →



We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.

Tags:
, , , ,
Share
The Associated Press is an independent, not-for-profit news cooperative headquartered in New York City. Their teams in over 100 countries tell the world’s stories, from breaking news to investigative reporting. They provide content and services to help engage audiences worldwide, working with companies of all types, from broadcasters to brands. Photo credit: @AP on Twitter
The Associated Press was the first private sector organization in the U.S. to operate on a national scale. Over the past 170 years, they have been first to inform the world of many of history's most important moments, from the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the bombing of Pearl Harbor to the fall of the Shah of Iran and the death of Pope John Paul.

Today, they operate in 263 locations in more than 100 countries relaying breaking news, covering war and conflict and producing enterprise reports that tell the world's stories.
Location
New York City




Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. Advertise Today.

Conversation