Victims of San Bernardino terror attack remembered on anniversary

Hundreds gathered together for an evening of prayer and support for a Night of Remembrance on the one-year anniversary of the San Bernardino terror attacks that killed 14 people and injured 22 others. The community came together to prove that they are still San Bernardino strong.

The sound of song filled the basketball arena at California State University, San Bernardino.

Hundreds of people honored the 14 people who were mercilessly killed when Syed Farook and Tahfeen Malik opened fire at the Inland Regional Center.

Julie Swann-Paez survived the attack and spent weeks in the hospital.

“I missed all the funerals of my friends and all the services. I never got to mourn them properly because I was in the process of fighting for my own life and then fighting for my own recovery,” Swann-Paez said as she spoke from the podium, tears filling her eyes.

Local political leaders shared what thy have learned a year since the attack.

“The unforgivable crime that was perpetrated against these families must be a reminder to all of us that hate never justifies violence. We must become known for compassion and kindness,” said San Bernardino Mayor Carey Davis.

Leaders of law enforcement repeatedly thanked first responders for the exemplary job they did that day.

“We do not have to let the evil of that day define us. Nor do we have to let the evil of that day divide us. We have a choice. We can allow ourselves to be defeated and be destroyed or we can rise up we can be better and we can show the world that this event will not define us, it will not control us, and it will not destroy us,” said Chief of the San Bernardino Police Department, Jarrod Burgeon.

The ceremony concluded when the lights were dimmed and people in attendance held candles and lights from their phones. Like fireflies dancing in the darkness of a cold and windy December night.

This was accompanied by song and prayer to remember those who were senselessly taken in an act of pure evil. But the community’s resolve is solidified to stand as one to rebuild their lives and stay San Bernardino strong.

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