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Pat Hammon, a local veteran, wipes away tears as she listens to the service given Friday night for the victims of last week's shooting in Vail. The service also recognized law enforcement and the military. Buddy Sims, also a veteran, listens and prays alongside Hammon and his wife, Bonnie Sims, center.
EDWARDS, Colorado — It's hard to make light of last week's shooting in Vail, Colorado, but some locals wanted to come together and at least pray for what happened in an effort to move on.
Local faith leaders hosted a service Friday night for the victims of Nov. 7's shooting and also for the first responders to the scene on that chaotic night. About 40 people attended the service at Trinity Church in Edwards, from Vail's police and fire chiefs Dwight Henninger and Mark Miller to County Commissioner Sara Fisher to local veterans Pat Hammon and Buddy Sims.
“It's been a very tough week for all of us,” Hammon said. “This evening is about trying to find some healing.”
Ethan Moore, the pastor at Trinity Church, said that love covers over a multitude of sin, pain and hurt — the theme he wanted to resonate throughout the approximately hourlong service. He thanked law enforcement, veterans and the interfaith community for coming together to pay respects — local representatives from the Jewish, Lutheran, Baptist, Episcopalian and Catholic communities were also there.
The theme that also resonated was that the Vail Valley comes together in times of crisis. Henninger said the event itself shows the gestures made by the community to bring people together in difficult times.
“People have been very supportive,” Henninger said. “I'm lucky enough to work with a lot of great folks — it's made it a lot easier.”
Carl Walker, a local retired Lutheran minister, spoke about the sacrifices that everyone must make through their work. But it's law enforcement and the military who make the ultimate sacrifices, he said.
“They're willing to put themselves in harm's way,” Walker said. “Thank you.”
The night was just one step toward closure. For Vail
Fire Chief Mark Miller, the sense of community that the night brought is what he said helps people pull through tough times.
“The community has got to heal,” Miller said. “And this is a great way to do it.”
Community Editor Lauren Glendenning can be reached at 970-748-2983 or lglendenning@vaildaily.com.
Local faith leaders hosted a service Friday night for the victims of Nov. 7's shooting and also for the first responders to the scene on that chaotic night. About 40 people attended the service at Trinity Church in Edwards, from Vail's police and fire chiefs Dwight Henninger and Mark Miller to County Commissioner Sara Fisher to local veterans Pat Hammon and Buddy Sims.
“It's been a very tough week for all of us,” Hammon said. “This evening is about trying to find some healing.”
Ethan Moore, the pastor at Trinity Church, said that love covers over a multitude of sin, pain and hurt — the theme he wanted to resonate throughout the approximately hourlong service. He thanked law enforcement, veterans and the interfaith community for coming together to pay respects — local representatives from the Jewish, Lutheran, Baptist, Episcopalian and Catholic communities were also there.
The theme that also resonated was that the Vail Valley comes together in times of crisis. Henninger said the event itself shows the gestures made by the community to bring people together in difficult times.
“People have been very supportive,” Henninger said. “I'm lucky enough to work with a lot of great folks — it's made it a lot easier.”
Carl Walker, a local retired Lutheran minister, spoke about the sacrifices that everyone must make through their work. But it's law enforcement and the military who make the ultimate sacrifices, he said.
“They're willing to put themselves in harm's way,” Walker said. “Thank you.”
The night was just one step toward closure. For Vail
Fire Chief Mark Miller, the sense of community that the night brought is what he said helps people pull through tough times.
“The community has got to heal,” Miller said. “And this is a great way to do it.”
Community Editor Lauren Glendenning can be reached at 970-748-2983 or lglendenning@vaildaily.com.
