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Message From the Director Nation Honors the Memories of Murder Victims and Their Survivors September 4, 2007 To lose a loved one suddenly, and without reason, is a horrific experience. The crime of murder extinguishes the hopes and dreams of its victims and forever alters the lives of surviving family members and friends. Every day, criminal homicide tragically affects the lives of families and communities throughout our Nation. Since 2000, more than 113,000 individuals have been murdered in the United States, and just last year alone, 16,742 victims were murdered. Although alarming, the numbers alone do not convey the impact this crime has upon the homicide survivor. Because of my own victimization experience, I know firsthand that the emotional journey following the murder of a loved one can be quite devastating. Sadly, this is a journey that many Americans experience. On September 25, 2007, our Nation's leaders will honor these courageous Americans and the memories of their loved ones at the first formal observance of the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims. As a voice for all crime victims, the Office for Victims of Crime is pleased to join with the National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children (POMC) and the National Center for Victims of Crime in supporting this ceremony, which will involve members of Congress, family members of murder victims, and representatives of victim assistance organizations. This memorial event will also showcase POMC's Murder Wall, a traveling tribute to victims, on Capitol Hill. Each life mattered. Each loss tragically affected the life of a homicide survivor. We at the Office for Victims of Crime invite you to join us on September 25 as we remember those whose lives were too soon extinguished and show our support for their courageous survivors. |
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