Remembering Loss

Any parent who's lived to see a child die knows there's no greater pain. Burying your offspring defies nature — but when a child dies violently, it also defies sense.

Hence today's declaration as a Day of Remembrance.

The event has been around for eight years as Safe Night Colorado, but this year organizers changed the name and are collaborating with Denver's anti-gang movement.

"This is for the mothers who have lost their kids to senseless youth violence," says Terrance Roberts of the non-profit Prodigal Son Initiative. He and other community leaders will square up against Denver police and sheriff's deputies in a basketball game at 1 p.m. at the Hiawatha Davis Jr. Recreation Center, 3334 Holly Street. Activities will continue into the evening, beginning with opening ceremonies at 4 p.m. to be followed by spoken word, prayer and jazz music. Custom cars and motorcycles will be on display, and food will be served.

Let us never forget.
Sat., June 9, 4-8 p.m.