MONTEREY PARK, Calif. – Nearly a year after a deadly mass shooting at a local dance hall, survivors and families of the victims gathered to honor their lost loved ones and express gratitude to the first responders who tended to the wounded on that tragic night. The shooting, which took place during a Lunar New Year celebration, left 11 people dead and 9 others injured, leaving the community grappling with the lasting trauma.
For Ronald Tom and his family, the visit to the local fire station was a way to express their gratitude to the first responders who tried to save his wife, Diana Tom, on that fateful night. Although she did not survive, the family was thankful for the time they were able to spend with her before she passed away. The visit was an emotional experience for both the firefighters and the Tom family, creating an emotional link between them as they processed the trauma they had been through.
In the wake of the tragedy, the city of Monterey Park is planning a candlelight vigil to honor the victims on the one-year anniversary of the shooting. While the community continues to grapple with the pain of their loss, they have also come together to create shrines, community support funds, and support various advocacy efforts, including lobbying for gun control legislation. These initiatives are a testament to the resilience of the community as they seek to honor the memories of those they lost.
Survivors of mass shootings often find anniversaries to be particularly painful, reviving the memories of the tragic events and the loss of their loved ones. To cope, many individuals have found solace in staying active and continuing to engage in activities they enjoy, even as they continue to process their grief.
For Fonda Quan, the loss of her aunt, Mymy Nhan, left a void in her family, compounding the grief of losing her grandmother just weeks earlier. To cope, her family turned to gardening and line dancing, finding solace in keeping busy and occupying their time. These activities have been a source of healing for them as they continue to navigate their grief.
The impact of the tragedy extends beyond the immediate victims and their families. Lloyd Gock, a survivor of the shooting, has emerged as an advocate for gun control reform, speaking out on the need to destigmatize mental health issues and supporting fellow survivors as they navigate the healing process. Despite the emotional toll the past year has taken on him, he continues to advocate for mental health services and provide a safe space for survivors to share their experiences.
As the community continues to grapple with the lasting impact of the shooting, they have also found moments of resilience and hope. From community support funds to scholarships and advocacy efforts, the community has come together to honor the memories of those they lost and support one another in their healing journey. Amid the pain and grief of the past year, stories of resilience and community support reflect the ongoing healing process for all those affected by the tragedy.