The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Balloon release honors victims
The victims of violent crime were honored and remembered in a ceremony at Elyria’s Ely Square on Sept. 25.
Organized by the Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office Victims Services Division advocates, the families of those who have lost loved ones came together in prayer and remembrance.
Those in attendance were welcomed to write messages on balloons before gathering around the fountain and symbolically releasing them into the evening sky.
“Healing is a long process. I’m proud of my city and how we continue to find ways to support each other, even in our darkest hours. Big thanks to the organizers and Advocates in the Lorain County Prosecutors Office for your work and sincere concern,” wrote Elyria Ward 5 Councilman Marcus Madison in a Facebook post. “Thanks for allowing us to remember and celebrate those we’ve lost on today’s National Remembrance Day.”
The victim’s advocacy team through the Prosecutor’s Office provides support and comfort to those who have been impacted by crime and work to build community among them.
“We couldn’t do what we do without this team right here,” said Victim Services Director Kathy Rednour-Esser.
The annual balloon release coincides with the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims which was designated by Congress in 2007.
“In 2012 our daughter was murdered and ever since then we’ve been supporting the victims of violent crime support groups. This victim’s event is a remembrance of our daughter and a chance to get together with all of the people who had losses,” said Ken Hoholski of Lorain.
Hoholski said the Prosecutor’s
Office does a great job in the area in assisting victims, and stressed he would like to see more because there is a need for additional services and support groups
“It does help with the healing and again with the gathering of the people who have had the losses,” Hoholski said.