Posted at: 09/25/2012 6:40 PM
By: Katie Eldred

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National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims

(ABC 6 NEWS) -- Last year in Minnesota, 73 people were murdered across the state.  Tuesday was National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims.
   
The southeast Minnesota chapter of Parents of Murdered Children was out at University Square all day Tuesday. They were there to not only honor those killed, but offer support for anyone who has lost a loved one to murder.

While most people go on with their day to day life.

"We're still up in the air and it'll be 13 years this October," said Sonia Holbrook.

There isn't a day Holbrook doesn't think about the death of her son Joel.

"It happens to other people or you hear about it on the news, but not about your loved ones," said Holbrook.

Joel Holbrook was murdered in his Kansas City apartment back in 1999. The case is still unsolved.

"I can't imagine anything worse," said Holbrook.

Holbrook, along with the other members of the southeast Minnesota Parents of Murdered Children, spent the day at University Square, honoring those whose lives have been taken.

"You don't always hear too much about the victims, we want to remember the victims because they are the ones that suffered the most," said Connie Sheely.

They also wanted to let other families know they're here for support.

"People you know have sympathy for you, but they don't really understand where others who've had the same experience can understand," said Sheely.

While many may walk by their booth without so much as a glance, Holbrook and the others hope at least a few will take notice of the faces on the board and the stories behind them.

“I hope they become a little more aware that today is a National Day of Remembrance, because most people have never heard of it," said Holbrook.

Because they remember every day.

"You never get over it," said Sheely.

"I keep wondering who did it and why would they do it, at this point I've given up hope of ever knowing," said Holbrook.

The southeast Minnesota Parents of Murdered Children meet the fourth Tuesday of every month. Membership is open to anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one to homicide.