Montgomery family travels to New Orleans to honor their beloved son’s memory and bring his body back home
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana to attend a service for the victims of the terror attack. The family of Drew Dauphin – who was killed in the attack – flew from Montgomery to New Orleans Monday to attend the service, meet with President Biden, and bring their beloved son’s body back home.
The President and First Lady laid flowers at a memorial for the 14 victims of the New Year’s Day terror attack in New Orleans before attending an interfaith prayer service at St. Louis Cathedral. Community faith leaders read passages of scripture and tried to find words to comfort the loved ones of those killed.
“For those of you who have lost loved ones, we cannot possibly imagine your pain, your feeling of loss, the wounds in your heart that remain today and will remain,” said Archbishop Gregory Aymond.
In one of the most moving moments in the hour-long service, the names of the 14 victims who died in the attack were read aloud as a candle was carried down the aisle for each one and placed on the altar.
“My wife Jill and I are here to stand with you, grieve with you, pray with you, and let you know you are not alone. The rest of the nation is looking at you as well,” said President Biden.
Tributes to 26-year-old Drew Dauphin, who graduated from Alabama Christian Academy in Montgomery and Auburn University before starting his career as an engineer, lined Bourbon Street in an outpouring of grief and love from strangers.
“To the families left behind, I know from some experience it’s hard, but I promise you the day will come when the memory of your loved one, you pass that park, you open that closet door and smell that fragrance, just remember that laugh and the memory of your loved one will bring a smile to your lips before a tear to your eye,” said President Biden.
In his obituary, family members describe Dauphin as having a legacy of kindness and joy that will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew him. This is the link to a Go Fund Me to help with funeral expenses for Drew Dauphin.
Governor Kay Ivey has ordered flags across Alabama to be lowered at half staff during the next three days. She joins Louisiana’s Governor Jeff Landry in their state’s Period of Mourning beginning today through Wednesday. Governor Ivey is especially remembering Kareem Badawai and Drew Dauphin who both called Alabama home at the time they were killed. Alabama and Louisiana will honor Badawai on Monday and Dauphin on Wednesday.
A visitation to celebrate Dauphin’s life will be held Sunday, January 12th from 2 – 4pm at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home and Cemetery in Montgomery.
