Hundreds turned out Monday night to remember loved ones lost to homicide in Montgomery County.
The pews were full at Westminster Presbyterian Church, First and Perry streets in Downtown Dayton, for the 27th Annual Homicide Victim Memorial Service, Vigil Walk and Balloon Launch.
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The Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office once again led the community in paying tribute to those whose lives were taken by violence. The intent of the service is to help survivors through the
holiday season.
Throughout the years, this service has grown from a small group to an event with more than 500 in attendance.
County Prosecutor Mathias H. Heck Jr., took his turn at adorning a special memorial tree with ornaments for each homicide victim.
Many of the balloons launched carried cards bearing memorial or inspirational messages from survivors to those who have died.