POUGHKEEPSIE – The Family
Services’ Crime Victims Assistance Program and Family Services’
Domestic Violence Services held a remembrance vigil to pay respects to
the victims and those they have lost due to violence Thursday at the Poughkeepsie
waterfront.
September 25th is the National Day of Remembrance for murder victims and
Family Services of Poughkeepsie held their sixth annual event for those
affected by such tragedy.
This year’s vigil was of the largest held to date in Poughkeepsie,
according to Kathleen Paluso, criminal victims’ coordinator for
Family Services.
“It was probably the biggest we’ve had so far; we had to go
out and get extra chairs to bring in,” said Paluso. “So, I’m
glad more people know about it and are coming and supporting each other.”
Loved ones of victims who attended the event could have the names of those
who were lost that were close to them and picture montages were set up
around the waterfront pavilion paying homage to those victims.
Paluso said Family Services is always open to anyone who has lost someone
due to violence and that they should not be ashamed or afraid.
“We’re here if you want to talk to somebody and there’s
no pressure and if they feel sometimes they just can’t deal with,
come in and talk to somebody who’s been through it,” she said.
Family Services asked that Laurie Ferguson of Hyde Park be recognized
as she was a victim of violence who lost her life and was not able to
be recognized at the vigil.
For anyone who is having issues or has lost someone they love due to any
violence, the number for Family Services is 845-452-7272 and those
people are encouraged to join the support community of others like them
who have lived through those difficult circumstances.
