Sunday is the kick off of national crime victims' rights week.
Wiregrass residents gathered at the First Baptist Church to pay tribute to those who've lost their lives to violence.
Rebecca Schuler knows all the emotions that can take over your body when someone you know is murdered.
“The first feeling is anger, your angry you’re hurt, you’re in a state of disbelief, you can’t understand why this happened, and more importantly if they do not catch the person who committed the crime you’re in a state of panic until justice is brought to your loved one.” Southeast V.O.C.A.L Chapter president Rebecca Schuler said.
Schuler lost her aunt and uncle to murder.
And now, the president of victims of crime and leniency, she helps organize events like the 16th annual candle light vigil to commemorate national crime victims’ rights week.
“We start it off every year by having a candle light vigil to remember and honor the victims of people who have been murdered in our area.” Schuler said.
“Victims never need to be forgotten, it’s human nature to go on with the living but these are our loved ones who paid the ultimate sacrifice. We miss them they are always in our hearts, minds and souls.” Houston County District Attorney Doug Valeska said.
This vigil also allows victims’ families to come together and show support for each other.
Something Valeska says is extremely important.
“It’s difficult when you lose a loved one your life changes forever,” Valeska said.
“We are there because we know what they've been through because we have also been through it a tragedy.” Schuler said.
This event allows many people to heal together, because Schuler says no one can heal alone.
Vocal will hold another candle light vigil next year.