Link to Speeches
Attorney General Tom Reilly Remarks
Amy Maki’s Remarks
Beatrice Nessen Remarks
Adlene Hardison Remarks
Yoko Kato Remarks
Bernadett Vajda Remarks
Todd McKie Remarks
Betty Borghesani Remarks
Evelyn Tobin Remarks
"The Garden" song
Photos
News Coverage
WBUR interview with Judy
Mckie
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Dedication
for the
Garden of
Peace On Thursday, September 23, over 1300 people gathered to commemorate Massachusetts victims of homicide at the dedication for the Garden of Peace. After ten years in the making, the sculpture was in place, the landscaping complete and nearly 350 names were engraved on stones forming the dry riverbed. Survivors of violence and family members and friends of victims walked through the garden, reading the names of their loved ones. The Ceremony paid tribute to those whose lives were so suddenly taken and spoke to the critical importance of community support to help prevent these senseless tragedies. Attorney General Thomas F. Reilly served as the Dedication’s Honorary Committee Chair and spoke eloquently of the power of memory to motivate to change factors that will reduce the number of homicides. He said, “Let this be a place, a quiet place of remembrance and reflection on how we live our lives and how we treat our neighbors. And let each of us leave this peaceful garden with a renewed sense of purpose to redouble our efforts to discover and eradicate the causes of violence among us.” Six individuals who lost a loved one to homicide shared their personal stories, speaking of the grief and sorrow as well as the journey toward healing. Nearly 400 victims’ names were read during the poignant candle- lighting closing ceremony. Amy Maki, Board Chair, and Beatrice Nessen, Board Vice Chair spoke of the Garden’s purpose as both a tribute and a call to action. Maki stated, “My hope is that the Garden will help the public understand the cost of violence and will encourage others to join in our goal of education and peace.” Secretary of Public Safety Edward Flynn presented a Proclamation of the Governor. The Boston City Singers, the Bethel AME Gospel Choir, and the Women’s Choir of Boston provided music, as did Mike Verge, who performed an original song titled “The Garden.” Evelyn Tobin read a poem written by her daughter’s best friend Nikki Jordan, “The Sun.” Tobin’s daughter Kathy Dempsey was murdered in Lexington in 1992. Kathy was 31 years old. Judy McKie, artist and creator Ibis Ascending, stood back and reflected as the crowds wondered through the garden. “I am thrilled because the Garden of Peace Memorial means that the families of victims will no longer have to feel isolated in their grief, and that there will finally be a public place where issues of violence can be addressed,” she said. McKie’s son, Jesse, was murdered in Cambridge in 1990 at the age of 21. To submit a name for a river stone or for additional information, click here.
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Download
the Program
from the
Dedication
