PRESS RELEASE - 2012 Crime Victim's Rights Week
The 19th Annual Courage Walk was held on April 28th to honor the courage and tenacity of victims of crime. Each year, VOI joins communities across the country in their annual observances of National Victims' Rights Week by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s theme was "Extending the Vision - Reaching Every Victim”, honoring the power of victims and the victims’ rights movement to change the course of history and transform lives.
Before the kickoff at 11:00, participants enjoyed a continental breakfast, greeting old friends and making new ones, listening to the amazing voices of the One World singers and reflecting on the “Clothes Line Project” - artwork created by survivors. The walk culminated at the Courage Garden, a memorial garden located on the hillside behind the Jefferson County Courts and Administration building.
John Michael Keyes was this year’s keynote speaker. Keyes’ daughter Emily was killed in 2006 at Platte Canyon High School. He and his wife Ellen created the “I Love You Guys” foundation, in honor of Emily, to develop a student safety response protocol. Their protocol is used in over 2,000 schools nationwide. John spoke to his family’s belief that the only person to blame for his daughter’s death is the shooter, and expressed appreciation for law enforcement and the first responders.
Following the moving stories of two survivors’ experience as crime victims under his watch, District Attorney Scott Storey was recognized with a plaque for his efforts to bring Justice for Victims during his tenure “because it’s the right thing to do”.
Eagle Scout Joel Meyers was introduced and thanked for his, and his troops’ recent project on the Courage Garden’s Gazebo. He then read names of loved ones as Tom Loux, White Birds Unlimited, released doves in their honor.
Money raised at the event (2012 over $5,500!) is used to support our work with crime victims and to maintain the Courage Garden. This year, a kiosk was added to house an educational notebook with history of the garden and information on the plantings. As always, we express our deep appreciation for Jefferson County Facilities Crew and the Jefferson County’s Master Gardeners for their creativity and their devotion to caring for the Garden. It's as lovely as it has ever been. Stop by!
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