September 25, 2009 will mark the third National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims to honor the memories of murder victims and recognize the impact of homicide on surviving family members and loved ones.

 

Since the year 2000, more than 113,000 persons have been murdered in the United States.

Last year alone, 16,742 individuals lost their lives through acts of human violence.[1] For all these murder victims, there are untold numbers of mothers, fathers, children, brothers, sisters, friends, co-workers, and neighbors whose lives are forever altered by the tragedy and horror of suddenly losing a loved one.

 

The National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims sends a powerful message to these individuals that we, as a Nation, remember their tragedy, honor their courage, and vow to do whatever we can to help them rebuild their lives.

 

Plans to celebrate this year include a commemorative symposium and ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. on September 25, which is free and open to the public. To find out more information about the symposium or to RSVP, please call 1 (800) 438-6233. 

 

[1] Federal Bureau of Investigation, Uniform Crime Reports (Washington, DC: Federal