Grieving Families Walk For Peace In Face Of Senseless Gun Violence
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MIAMI GARDENS (CBSMiami) -- Dealing with grief is something that all of us face sooner or later and while many may have their own ways to cope with loss, having someone by your side can make a world of difference.
"What brought me out here today?" asked Sussy Salazar. "They murdered my brother not too far from here."
Michael Lopez was fatally shot two months ago in Miami Gardens in a car with his girlfriend. He was 23.
"This is something so unexpected. I never expected or imagined I would be walking for my little brother," his big sister said.
She joined hundreds of teens from Miami Job Corps, Miami Gardens Police officers and other victims who have lost loved ones to gun violence, in a walk on this international day of peace.
"All the senseless shootings and killings, for everybody to come out and walk, it's tough," said Tammy Sweeting. "I'm still grieving."
Tammy's son Roger was killed on April 5th in Miami Gardens, just a few feet from his doorstep. He was 17.
Tammy is walking for her son and though she is still grieving, she remains grateful for the support.
"So much love, I appreciate it so much," she said.
And Guillermo Comme's family, who lost their marine son this weekend, were also walking for peace.
"There are no words to explain," said the soldier's father. "Normally, you're expecting that, first, your father goes, then your son. That is killing us."
Comme was killed in a carjacking in Miami Gardens. He has yet to be laid to rest and his father wanted to walk in his honor supporting other families who have fallen victim to violence.
"For me, it is a big support. What I feel in my heart, there are just no words to explain. I feel like I'm a brother and sister helping other people to."
