Courage, Hope and Remembrance

Sunday afternoon the Northern Virginia Coalition of Victim Service providers hosted a Candlelight Vigil of Courage, Hope and Remembrance at the Fairfax County Government Center. This is apparently an annual event, held in conjunction with National Crime Victims' Rights Week. The theme this year was "Justice for Victims, Justice for All".

I have never been to one of these before, but overall it was good to be able to go and be somewhat acknowledged for the grief you are going through. There was a beautiful choir, and several touching sentiments expressed. There was a lot of mention of the Virginia Tech shootings, and several of the families were there. There were several people who we have met previously, because they attend the homicide support group, or they work for Fairfax County as victims specialists or in other legal or judicial capacities. They presented a few awards and gave people a chance to get up in remembrance of victims of crime. I am glad that I went, and it really did have an uplifting tone, and people really seemed to want to help as they see best fit. There is consistent legislation of victim's rights regarding federal offenses, but the states vary widely on the support and opportunities victims are given.





In remembrance of Todd Jacob Rogers, Jan 10, 1976 - Jul 1, 2007. Murdered in Fairfax County, Virginia. Attacked in a selfish act of jealousy and suffered six gunshot wounds to the upper body, and beatings to the head.











In remembrance of Devin Reed Bayles, Sep 22, 1972 - Nov 29, 2005. Died in Manassas, Virginia, Prince William County. Attacked in a selfish act of jealousy and killed by ligature strangulation. Made to look like he took his own life, either by accident or suicide.





I attended with two dear friends. My mother-in-law, Carma Rogers whose son was murdered in Fairfax County. John Bloxham was found guilty of first degree murder, so it has been a relief to see justice served. Janet is another friend who lives in Fairfax County, whose daughter was murdered three years ago in North Carolina. A suspect has not been named or brought to trial in her situation, so the guilty party remains free. Justice has not yet been served. We know that ultimate justice will be served, but we also hope that justice in this life will be forth coming. I sympathize with both, where as John has been brought to justice for Todd's death, but not Devin's.