National crime victims' rights week recognized locally

Events to honor victims of crime were held locally during national crime victims' rights week, April 10 to 16.

A flower ceremony honoring and remembering Cape Girardeau County victims, organized by the Victims Services office of the Cape Girardeau police department, the Cape Girardeau County prosecuting attorney's office and the local office of the Department of Probation and Parole was held at Cape Girardeau County Park North on April 12. Victims, families of victims, law enforcement, and agencies and individuals who provide victim support were invited.

The flower ceremony was a reminder to victims that what happened to them will never be forgotten.

Locally, the Girardot and Echo Centers, residential and day facilities for youth, held events before and during victims rights week that were centered around understanding victims' feelings.

At the Girardot Center the week culminated in an emotional presentation by Charles and Loretta Wilson, whose daughter, Cathy, then 21, was killed by a drunken driver 17 years ago.

Ed Pearson, facility manager at the Girardot Center, said, "We spent a lot of time preparing for the Wilsons' visit. The boys made a lighthouse quilt to give to them. It symbolizes a new direction for them to deal with their grief."

Loretta Wilson said, "They were a good group of boys. We go to prisons, schools and other places. Wherever we go we're treated real good. The Cape Girardeau Mothers Against Drunk Drivers chapter got us involved in making these presentations, and it's therapy for us. You will never forget, but you've got to learn to live with it. You find that you want to talk about it, but nobody wants to listen. When we go to these places they have to listen and we get good results. People tell us about how they've stopped drinking."

Pearson said most of the boys who get into trouble are victims themselves and that they are taught they have to break the chain of victimization. Activities during the week were centered on reflecting how they felt when they were victimized and promoted understanding of how other people felt as victims.

A memorial garden was planted on the Girardot Center premises. Dogwood trees and lilies were planted to represent new growth, new commitment and change. Maintenance and care will serve as reminders to the youth that they must make a commitment and stick to it to see positive change.

A candlelight vigil ended the week's events, with essay presentations and a moment of silence.