Lewiston, Maine will come together to honor the memory of the 18 individuals who lost their lives and the 13 who were injured in a tragic shooting incident that shook the community six months ago. The event is scheduled to take place at SimardPayne Memorial Park on April 25 at 6:30 p.m., with moments of silence and heartfelt remarks planned to pay tribute to the victims.
The remembrance ceremony, set against the backdrop of the devastating incident that occurred on October 25, 2023, at a bar and a bowling alley in Lewiston, aims to bring solace and healing to those affected by the tragedy. The shooter, identified as 40-year-old Army reservist Robert Card, was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Lisbon two days after the horror unfolded.
Prior to the public gathering, a closed and private event will be held for the victims, their loved ones, and friends. The Maine Resiliency Center, which serves as a supportive resource for those impacted by the shootings, will be hosting the upcoming event in collaboration with Community Concepts, the managing organization of the center.
Community Concepts has extended an invitation to the general public to join in solidarity by placing candles in their windows on the evening of the remembrance ceremony. Alternatively, individuals are encouraged to share images or videos of their displays by sending them to resource@community-concepts.org or posting them on the social media pages of the Maine Resiliency Center.
The tragic incident led to a city-wide lockdown as thousands of residents sought safety in their homes, while schools, businesses, and offices remained closed during the intensive manhunt for the shooter. Now, the community is coming together in a show of strength and compassion to remember the lives lost and support those who continue to grapple with the aftermath of the senseless violence.
As the Lewiston community prepares to mark this somber anniversary, the resilience and unity displayed in the face of adversity serve as a beacon of hope and healing for all those affected. The remembrance ceremony stands as a poignant reminder of the lives lost, the wounds that still remain, and the unwavering sense of community that will guide the path forward toward healing and peace.