The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office and other groups will host a candlelight vigil followed by a march on Wednesday, Dec. 6 in Stockton to honor lives lost to violent crimes.
The family event, which includes the DA’s Victim Witness Program and the county’s victims of violent crime support group, has been a tradition in the city for over 20 years, according to Gabriela Jaurequi, program manager for the SJCDA victim witness unit.
The candlelight vigil first started as an idea for the support group and witness program, then the city of Stockton donated a plaque at Weber Point Events Center dedicated to the victims of crimes.
A couple years later, a tree was planted next to the plaque and is now over 20 feet tall.
“The support group began to congregate at the tree and announcing their loved one’s names which evolved into a yearly vigil,” Jaurequi said in a statement.
Jaurequi said holding the vigil holds importance for the community because it allows families who have suffered a loss to come together during tough seasons such as the holidays.
The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Weber Point Events Center located at 221 N. Center St.
Attendees will have the opportunity to bring a holiday ornament to hang on a memorial tree in memory of a loved one.
Following the ornament hangings there will be a march that takes place, according to the DA’s office.
“The candlelight vigil and march stand as beacons of remembrance, lighting the path of solidarity for those we’ve lost to violent crime,” San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas said in a statement. “In the face of darkness, let our collective strength be a testament to resilience, as we honor the lives taken and stand united against the shadows that seek to diminish the light of justice.”