Memorial service to be held Sunday in Monroe for Uvalde, Texas victims
Martenson Family of Funeral Homes-Allore Chapel will hold a public memorial service for the victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas at 3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, located at 203 E. Elm Ave., in Monroe.
“Not to minimize the other tragedies, but there is something about this one. It hit me,” Tom Trouten, Allore Chapel funeral director, said.
Trouten starting planning the service just days after the shooting.
“We need to do something. You don’t necessarily have to have a personal connection. We need to allow the community to come together, to show respect for those who lost their lives in this horribly senseless act of violence," Trouten said.
At least four area pastors from various denominations and Allore Chapel's funeral celebrant Fred Cislo will share Scripture verses and reflections.
Music, a candle tribute and a dove release also will be part of the program.
Attendees can sign a register book.
"We'll be mailing it to the principal of Robb Elementary. It will be avilable for a couple weeks to allow community members to stop by and sign it," Trouten said.
He hopes a community gathering can bring some comfort.
“When we grieve, many times we need the support of those around us. This is an opportunity to have the support of each other," Trouten said.
Trouten held a similar service in 2012, two days after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. About 60 attended.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Memorial service to be held Sunday in Monroe for Uvalde victims
