A community monument reflects and regains strength a year later

LEWISTON (WGME) – The Lewiston/Auburn community gathered at the Coliseum Friday night to celebrate one year since the worst mass shooting in Maine.

The service marked a milestone for the community, a year in which it moved forward with strength. However, for those directly affected by the shooting, the message did not depend on the calendar. There was only one day left in the healing process.

“We honor their spirit and legacy and remember the impact they had and continue to have on our lives,” said Tom Caron, a Lewiston native and master of ceremonies for the memorial service. “We remember the heroism of those who survived and the support of those who stand with us today.”

More than 900 people gathered at the Lewiston Coliseum, holding candles and supporting one another.

“Thank you for coming, for being here and for not losing hope in each other,” said Pastor Sarah Gillespie.

The stadium was silent twice: once at 6:56 p.m. to honor those who died at Just-In-Time Recreation, and again twelve minutes later at 7:08 p.m. to remember those who died in the Schemegees Bar died.

The crowd takes a moment to remember the names and faces of the 18 people the community lost a year ago.

“It's true when they say Maine is one big little town,” said Liz Seal, who lost her husband, Joshua Seal, the night of the shooting.

Despite their immense loss, Seal's message to the community was one of hope and unity. She expressed gratitude for the connections she has made with other families who have suffered loss.

“These connections formed the spiderweb of a beautiful community that will make Lewiston strong forever, and I am proud to be a part of it,” Seal said.

At one point in the program, anyone who lost a loved one, survived that night, or was caring for a survivor was asked to stand. Hundreds rose from their seats.

“It's been a year since our community was filled with fear and disbelief that something like this could happen here,” said Joanna Stokinger, an attorney at the Maine Resiliency Center. “This beautiful tapestry of our community will not dissolve and float away. We’ll still be a beautiful sight.”

A community that was shaken to its core a year ago is now finding firm support.

“The resilience you showed was nothing short of breathtaking, but not surprising — not to anyone who grew up here,” Caron said.