Groundbreaking Ceremony Honors Victims of ACA Shooting

7/22/2012 (Updated 10:49:41 PM)

BINGHAMTON -- The shootings in Aurora, Colorado bring back painful memories to those who lost loved ones in the ACA shootings three years ago. but today, they came one step closer to constructing a permanent memorial. 

"All these  events are really burned into our families. in particular i reference my wife, and that day, April 3rd, is remembered," said Lubomyr Zobniw, who lost his wife, Maria, in the shootings.

Emotions ran high today as family and friends of the aca shooting
victims broke ground at the site where a memorial park will be built.

"The person I lost, Hong Xiu Mao, my wife at the time, she was an amazing person and everything I've done is really to evoke her spirit," said David Marsland, the Project Coordinator.

After the shootings in 2009, the community has worked tirelessy to
find a way to honor the fallen. Today, all of their hard work paid
off.

"It really is a testament to the resilience of this community, that we can really move forward together and make this project come to fruition as a whole community," said Deputy Mayor Andrew Block.

The memorial not only serves as a place for remembrance for those who remember the tragedy, it also is a way to teach the younger generation  about the lives lost.

"The children will enjoy the sculptures and the unique design that we have in place and also learn about the people we lost because they were really all inspirational people," Marsland said.

There will be thirteen glass birds, one representing each of the
victims, making it a unique memorial.

"I think once it's done it will be really nice," said Oresta Lisowsky, daughter of Maria Zobniw.  "It will be a great place for people to just come and sit and relax and reflect, and maybe have something positive come from something negative,"

An artist rendering of what the park will look like was on display. Officials say they hope to finish the park by Fall. 

In Binghamton, Samantha McDonald, Fox 40 News.

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