A memorial service is held in Truro, N.S., on April 18, 2021, to remember the victims of a mass shooting exactly one year earlier. (Image: CPAC video capture)
The victims of last April’s mass shooting in Nova Scotia were remembered this weekend.
A memorial service was held at a Truro church Sunday to mark the one-year anniversary.
A few dozen people gathered inside First United Church while thousands of others watched on television and online.
Nova Scotia Premier Iain Rankin paid tribute to each of the 22 victims during the ceremony.
“They live on in you. The families who love them and the friends who long for them and in the hearts of Nova Scotians who honour them today and always. This is their legacy,” Rankin said.
As we mark this solemn anniversary, we remember, and honour, the Nova Scotians we lost one year ago. We will never forget them. #NovaScotiaRemembers #NovaScotiaStrong pic.twitter.com/qP9d7IRZKf
— Iain Rankin (@IainTRankin) April 18, 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also spoke in a pre-recorded video message played during the service.
Trudeau said even a year later, he knows there is no comfort in having a family member torn away.
“All I can say is this: you are not alone. All Canadians stand with you and grieve with you today and always,” Trudeau said.
“This tragedy never should have happened. Not in a place like Portapique, not in any community in Nova Scotia, not anywhere in Canada.”
There is no comfort for the anguish of having parents, children, neighbours, and friends torn away. There are no words that can heal that pain. But to those whose lives were forever changed on April 18th and 19th, we are here for you. #NovaScotiaStrong https://t.co/oXHCjPw1Fl
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 18, 2021
Jenny Kierstead is part of the Nova Scotia Remembers Legacy Society which helped organize the memorial.
Kierstead’s sister, Lisa McCully, was among the victims of the shooting spree on April 18 and 19, 2020.
“We have all suffered so much this year that it’s our intention to bring some light and beauty to our lives on this dark day,” said Kierstead.
“What we know is that a trauma such as one that we’ve endured can shatter a person’s life. I know it has mine.”
Several other events were held over the weekend to commemorate the anniversary, including a memorial run from Portapique to Truro.
A commemorative walk was also set up in Truro’s Victoria Park with 15 memorial sites honouring the victims.
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