Nashville comes together, honoring victims of violence at the 30th Season of Remembrance event
Wiping away tears Thursday as the chill filled the Nashville air, Tonya Simmons spoke about her brother, who was shot and killed 25 years ago.
Edward Simmons had a daughter and was planning a wedding when he died on December 4, 1999. During the annual Time to Remember event, Tonya Simmons told a group of grieving families her story of grief as she recounted how her brother prayed for her. life during his last moments.
“He was my best friend,” Tonya Simmons said. “After my brother was killed, I lost my piece.”
For hundreds of families in Nashville, the holiday season brings a range of emotions as they mourn, celebrate, honor, laugh, smile and mourn loved ones who have been killed.
Dozens of families hung homemade decorations on a tree decorated with green lights in Centennial Park on Thursday. It was the 30th anniversary of the Season of Remembrance event, held annually to honor those lost to violence in Nashville.
This event is also a fun place for families, many find friendship and comfort with others who are going through similar situations.
“Grief is louder than words,” said Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell. “It's what replaces loss during loss. I don't know if there are words for that, but what I can say is that I'm honored to join everyone's name to remember the special people who were missed.”
Tonya Simmons knows how much sharing her brother's story can help with the grieving process, even when emotions run high around holidays and milestones.
“It's been 25 years and seven days since I lost my brother,” said Tonya Simmons. “I still cry, I still laugh and I still remember. I celebrate his birthday and I acknowledge the day he was killed. It's okay, and no one can tell me it's not.”
Nashville Metropolitan Police Chief John Drake said in 2024 the number of homicides has increased by 9% since December 12, compared to the same period last year.
The department has reported 100 murders since December 12.
And nine out of ten murders in Nashville are gun-related. Drake said the city is working to curb gun violence in Nashville.
O'Connell signed an executive order providing free gun lockers at various locations throughout Nashville.
While speaking to a crowd of grieving families, Drake said they are not alone in their journey.
“By gathering here every year, we find strength in numbers, for all of us, which is very important this time of year,” said Drake.
Sherniko Waters places an ornament on a tree in memory of her brother, Sherman Waters, who was killed 21 years ago, during the annual Time of Remembrance service at Centennial Park in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. The service honors families affected by homicides in Nashville.
But not all murders are solved, as police work to solve dozens of cold cases.
Sherniko Waters attended Thursday's season of remembrance looking for hope.
Her brother Sherman Waters was killed on Main Street in August 2023. Her sister is still looking for answers after the investigation found enough evidence to put the perpetrator behind bars. Sherniko Waters said she is keeping Sherman's fight for justice alive on behalf of the family.
Reach reporter Craig Shoup by email at cshoup@gannett.com and X @Craig_Shoup. To support his work, sign up for a digital subscription at www.tennessean.com.
This article first appeared in the Nashville Tennessean: Victims of violence honored in Nashville's 30th season to remember.
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