AURORA | On the second anniversary of the Aurora theater shooting, community members and city leaders gathered Sunday to remember the people killed that night and celebrate the survivors.
At Potter’s House Church, elected officials including Gov. John Hickenlooper and Mayor Steve Hogan joined with church leaders to unveil Hope Park, a stand of trees dedicated to the people killed in the shootings at the Aurora Century 16 Theatre on July 20, 2012.
“Just two years ago our community was struck by a great blow that caused our hearts and our faith to be challenged,” said Potter’s House Senior Pastor Chris Hill.
Hill said the church chose a stand of trees because they will stand as a living and growing monument to the people killed that day.
Even after two years, Hill said much of the community is still reeling from the shooting.
“So many people are still raw, their emotions are still on edge,” he said.
Still, Hill said, the community continues to recover and to heal from that day’s horror.
“Our community is undaunted,” he said.
Other events Sunday include a gathering at 1 p.m. at the Aurora Strong resilience Center.
Copper Kettle Brewing Co. is also hosting a beer festival in honor of one of the victims, Alex Teves. The event runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Four Mile Historic Park, 715 S. Forest St. Denver.