Service at Dadeville High School honors victims of mass shooting on one year anniversary
Monday April 15 is the one year anniversary of the tragic mass shooting in Dadeville that claimed the lives of four young people and injured 32 others. The small tight-knit community of Dadeville has been through so much over the past year, as families grieved for the four young lives that were lost a year ago, and dozens of victims who were injured in the shooting slowly recovered from their wounds. Monday night’s service was a way that the whole town could come together through music and messages of hope and unity from local pastors. Several hundred people – including families of the victims, first responders, and teachers – gathered Monday night at the football field at Dadeville High School. They greeted each other with hugs and even some tears.
The Dadeville Strong theme continued throughout the service, and pastors from two local churches spoke about the importance of showing the light of God in a dark world. Chinese lanterns were lit by family members of the victims and released into the sky to symbolize letting go of fear and grief. Dr. Ben Hayes is the pastor of First Baptist Church Dadeville, and he organized the event. “I think it’s important that we realize that this tragedy affected the entire community, and the only way we’re going to get beyond it is if we come together and work together, ” Hayes said. Justin Freeman is the pastor at New Canaan Baptist Church. “One year later it needs to be reported that we are still standing 1 year later it needs to be reported that we are still striving 1 year later it needs to be reported that we are still strong look at these families sitting behind me look at these first responders sitting behind me I have come to tell you tonight that we as a community are still strong,” Freeman said.
The four victims who were killed on this tragic day last year were 18 year old Philstavius Dowdell, 19 year old Marsiah Collins, 17 year old Shaunkevia Smith, and 23 year old Corbin Holston. It was a very moving service tonight, and you could really tell how close this community is. The crowd repeatedly clapped and affirmed the messages from both ministers. A large television monitor played a slide show with pictures to honor victims throughout the service.
