‘Here to remember;’ Organizers reflect on importance of 8/4 Memorial in Oregon District

OREGON DISTRICT — A memorial to honor the lives lost in the Oregon District mass shooting was officially unveiled five years later.

>>PHOTOS: 8/4 Memorial unveiled, dedicated 5 years after Oregon District shooting

As reported on News Center 7 at 11:00, nine people were killed and 27 others were injured in the shooting on Aug. 4, 2019.

Megan Betts, Monica Brickhouse, Nicholas Cumer, Derrick Fudge, Thomas McNichols, Lois Oglesby, Saeed Saleh, Logan Turner, and Beatrice “Nicole” Warren-Curtis were killed.

On Sunday, hundreds of community members, city leaders, and families of victims gathered for the memorial’s unveiling and dedication ceremony.

“We are here to remember those who were killed, those who survived, and those who were changed forever,” 8/4 Memorial Committee Co-Chair Sandy Hunt said.

The committee hired a design team that eventually settled on the Seed of Life memorial.

It features a mosaic, a sculpture with nine interlocked segments that represent the lives lost, and much more. It can be found in a plaza adjacent to 530 E Fifth St.

Architect and sculptor Terry Welker was the team leader for the memorial.

“Thanks for being open to creative healing and thanks for remembering,” Welker said during the ceremony.

One of the committee members was a woman who lost her daughter, Lois, in the mass shooting.

LaSondra James now raises her daughter Lois’ two children.

“This memorial site is a critical piece that will open up the door to healing for many. It will unite people and promote the collective healing of our community,” James said.

Many other victim’s families were at the ceremony, including Jayla, who is the daughter of Thomas “TJ” McNichols.

The committee released nine doves to signify peace for the victims, their families, and their communities. A bagpiper then played Amazing Grace to signify courage.

Just after, those in attendance were encouraged to step forward and see the details of the artwork.

The committee wants the memorial to be a place for the community to reflect on the devastation, but also focus on healing.

We will continue to follow this story.

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