Berkeley County hosts inaugural ‘Berkeley Remembers’ honoring lives lost to gun violence

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCBD) – Berkeley County on Tuesday honored those who lost their lives to gun violence.

The event honored the lives lost to gun violence while also providing resources to the community to help put an end to the gun violence epidemic.

Terris Green lost his daughter 10 years ago. He spoke to families about the event about how to live after loss.

“We want to live we want to smile still we have some good we have some rainy days but you never ever forget those memories. I think about my daughter and call her name every day. This is not to tell you the memories go off and forget about them. This is about telling you to live in their love and the legacy they’ve left with you,” said Terris Green, the keynote speaker.

Last year, Berkeley County lost 38 people to suicide and 18 to homicide. This year so far, 24 lives have been lost to suicide and 14 lost to homicides which is why Darnell Hartwell decided to put on the inaugural event.

“There’s a lot of data but one thing we all believe and understand is that those are our people, those are our families’ members. But again, we just wanted to share their story tonight and let their family members know they do matter we do care. Also, hopefully at this event tonight we can bring some awareness some prevention along the way as well,” said Berkeley County Coroner Darnell Hartwell.

Mental health organizations and support groups came out provide resources for the families.

“Our job doesn’t stop when the investigation stops. We need to make sure they have services as long as it takes,” said Hartwell.

Attendants were given a red rose if they lost a loved one to homicide and a white rose for suicide. They placed them all in the vase at the end of the memorial to represent making gardens out of graves.

“I did not realize until after my experience folks I knew in the community had lost a child and speaking to them and realizing, because you always think why me? It helps to know I’m not by myself someone else has experienced this and if they can get through it, I can get through it also,” said Green.

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