Aug 03, 2014: OAK CREEK (WKOW) -- Tuesday marks two years since the Sikh temple shooting in Oak Creek and this weekend the community is remembering the victims.
Six people and the gunman died on August 5, 2012. Two years later, the community is trying to make a change. The temple helped organize a run-walk at Oak Creek High School Saturday to raise money for a memorial and scholarships in memory of those who died. It's called Charhdi Kala.
"Charhdi Kala in Punjabi language means relentless optimism," says Rahul Dubey, whose godfather was killed in the shooting. "It's from tragedy to triumph. For these past two years, we have turned that from tragedy to triumph."
Families came out to learn about diversity and the tragedy that happened in their own community.
Among those at Saturday's event was retired Oak Creek Lt. Brian Murphy. He was shot 15 times while trying to stop the attack at the temple. Murphy says even two years later, he still has questions that will never be answered.
"I think I still wonder why that's probably the thing that hits me the most is there is no answer for it, there was no interview after that was answered why did you do this why did you pick the Sikh community and why Oak Creek so I think that's the one thing that always sticks with me," says Murphy.
Next week, Lt. Murphy and Officer Same Lenda will be awarded the Congressional Badge of Bravery for their actions during the shooting.
---------------------------------
Related Article:Sikh Temple shooting anniversary brings remembrance, recognition
Cary Docter and Ashley Sears
August 1, 2014: OAK CREEK (WITI) — We’re just a few days away from the anniversary of the mass shooting at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin.
On August 5th, 2012, a gunman walked into the temple, killing six people and wounding three others.
On Friday, August 1st, members of the community began four days of memorials for those killed in the shooting. They’re reciting the Sikh Holy Book for 48 hours.
On Saturday, there will be a memorial walk — and a remembrance ceremony will be held on Tuesday.
“We have to keep the memory fresh, the victims who died here and what they did for us,” said temple member Harpreet Singh. “It’s very important, I can’t stress that enough.”
Two police officers who were first on the scene are also receiving recognition in a big way. Lt. Brian Murphy and Officer Sam Lenda are being presented with a Congressional Badge of Bravery.
“This is a very high honor. It’s amazing,” said Oak Creek Police Chief John Edwards. “It’s pretty hard to put into words.”
Lt. Murphy was the first officer on the scene. He was shot 17 times.
“When Brian was laying there bleeding, his thought was with his officers and the people in the temple,” said Edwards.
Officer Lenda arrived for backup, fired shots at the shooter and brought and end to the rampage.
“He did everything you would ask an officer to do, didn’t miss a beat, didn’t have to stop and go ‘what’s happening here?’ He just acted,” said Edwards.
The Congressional Badge of Bravery is one of the highest that can be received for law enforcement.
“They’re true heroes for that day and what they did,” said Edwards.
The badges will be awarded on Wednesday, August 6th at the Oak Creek Community Center.