Aug 03, 2013: OAK CREEK, Wis. —Hundreds gathered in Oak Creek Saturday for a run-walk in memory of the Sikh temple shooting.
Six people were killed when a gunman opened fire at the temple on Aug. 5, 2012.
“These things are hard for victims,” said Pardeep Kaleka, whose father was temple president and killed in the shooting. “Some days are better than others. I want to make it understood that today is about celebrating.”
Kaleka said he was overwhelmed by the diverse gathering Saturday at Oak Creek High School.
Robbie Parker was one of the speakers at the event. His daughter was killed in the Sandy Hook shooting in Connecticut last December.
“In the darkest time of my life, when I was in the most horrible abyss and seeing no light, I was surrounded by the outpouring of love from people all across the world, just like your community experienced the very same thing,” Parker said.
Brian Murphy, the former Oak Creek police lieutenant who was shot trying to stop the gunman at the Sikh temple, received an award for his bravery at the event.
More events are planned at the Sikh temple to remember the shooting’s anniversary. The Sikh holy scriptures are being read until Sunday morning. Families of the victims are expected to speak to the media Sunday afternoon.
A community candlelight vigil is scheduled for Monday at 8 p.m.
Copyright 2013 by WISN.com