Large gathering for 21st annual Day of Remembrance in Hartford on Sunday

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Families and neighbors made their way to Sigourney Park in Hartford to honor loved ones who have been taken by violence and to support survivors.

The Mothers United Against Violence (MUAV) hosted their 21st annual Day of Remembrance event to those that gathered on Sunday.

It’s a day of healing, reflection and hope, but also to celebrate the loved ones taken too soon. The organization is all too familiar with the pain for MUAV President, Henrietta Beckman. Her son was taken in 2002, and today is a way to remember him and help those facing their own journey with grief.

“It's important because grief can kill people and its important these families continue to live even though they suffered a great loss they have to live”, said Beckman.

John Larson, Congressman First District said, “these are mothers in their community doing what needs to be done to heal, to comfort but also to prevent in the future”

There were plenty of restorative activities as well as support and resources for those grappling with the grief and pain.