WHEREAS, September 25th is the Congressionally designated National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims. The day was established unanimously by Congress in order to honor the memories of murder victims. This act was in large part due to the advocacy of Reverend Robert and Charlotte Hullinger, of Cincinnati, Ohio, who founded the National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children after the murder of their daughter Lisa, on September 25, 1978; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia is on pace for nearly 300 murders in 2017; and
WHEREAS, The trauma of murder is devastating to the families, friends, neighbors, and communities of those lost. In addition to the post-traumatic stress and emotional grief caused to those close to the victim, homicide destabilizes communities by eroding confidence in public safety; and
WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia must recognize and address this costly toll; and
WHEREAS, We on this Council take this day as an opportunity to remember Philadelphians lost to homicide and to honor their memories, while resolving to take all efforts to prevent future murders; and
WHEREAS; This body hereby extends to affected families, friends, and communities its sincere condolences; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY VIRTUE OF THIS CITATION, THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Recognizes Monday, September 25, 2017, the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims, in Philadelphia.
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