NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Thursday is the 21st annual Tennessee 'Season to Remember' ceremony, which honors homicide victims across the state.
Families who unfairly lost a loved one to violence found some comfort Thursday evening at First Baptist Church on Broadway.
The keynote speakers were Julie and John Mullinix, a couple who lost their daughter and granddaughter when they were shot and killed in Crossville in 2006.
"It's just very special to know that they're not forgotten," said Julie.
"People here tonight, many of these people understand exactly...because they've been through the same circumstances," added John of the camaraderie in the room Thursday night.
"It's like a family, really," said Kimberly Stinnett, a mother who lost her 18-year-old Tabitha nearly 20 years ago.
"Time does not heal all wounds but time does help...and every time you engage in things like this and people like this, it's a healing effect," explained Kimberly. "You know you're not alone."
Families placed ornaments honoring their loved ones on large wreaths that will be displayed in the State Capitol.
Dustin Krugel, Communications Director of the Tennessee Board of Parole, said hopefully families can connect with others going through the same pain.
"This is a huge support group for all these victims," said Krugle. "They've all gone through terrible tragedies, and I think a lot of times you hear the offender's name, but too often we forget the names of the actual victims and through this event all the homicide victims names will be read at the ceremony, they've have an ornament placed on the wreath, and hopefully it will restore some of the hope for some of these families who suffered this terrible loss."
Last year, the state reported 645 people were killed in homicides. Metro reports there has been 102 homicides in Nashville so far this year.
Fostering Hope provides Christmas for kids in foster care. I'm delighted to see Fostering Hope expand this year to expand their reach to now include kids in Foster care in metro AND foster kids in East TN hard hit by Helene.
-Bree Smith
