Columbia, South Carolina – The City of Columbia Office of Violent Crime Prevention is set to host a poignant Garden Rededication Ceremony at Pacific Park on June 20th, 2024. This event aims to bring awareness to the pervasive issue of gun violence, coinciding with National Gun Violence Awareness Month.
In 2014, the R.I.C.H. Program, led by the dedicated Dr. Germon “Mama G” Miller-Bey, established a Garden of Peace in Pacific Park. With more than 300 names now hung on the tree’s branches, this memorial honors the lives lost to gun violence. Retired Parks and Recreation employee Joan Sorensen painstakingly carved these names on “wooden guns.” As it offers comfort and shade, the tree also acts as a sharp reminder of the loss and suffering experienced by the community.
The rededication ceremony is scheduled to take place from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM The ceremony will feature prayers and spoken word performances to acknowledge the departed souls. Along with honoring the victims, this event seeks to promote community members’ sense of togetherness and healing.
Pacific Park will host the wedding indoors in case of a bat weather. All community members are invited to join in this solemn event by the City of Columbia Office of Violent Crime Prevention in association with the R.I.C.H. Program.
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Click this link to register if you would want to attend. Pacific Park is located at 200 Wayne Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
