Memorial Garden for Victims of San Bernardino Terrorist Attack Planned in Upland

UPLAND – The terrorist attack during a San Bernardino County employee Christmas party, held at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino on Wednesday, December 2, 2015, was devastating for not only those involved but to those who learned about it through the news.

The party, which was meant to be a festive holiday party for county employees turned deadly at around 11:00 a.m. when a heavily armed employee, along with his wife entered the building shooting randomly through the crowded room.  Blood-covered patients were removed from the conference room and were quickly triaged outside of the building.  As fast as they could, depending on urgency, patients were rushed from the scene to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Loma Linda Medical Center as well as other area hospitals.

Fourteen total victims lost their lives as a result of this shooting and dozens more were left to heal, both physically and mentally. Both suspects were shot dead and the incident was determined to be terror related. Now nearly a year later, some not directly affected by the shooting have moved on, while those who were there or have family members who were killed or injured are left to cope.

The Incredible Edible Community Garden (IECG)  located in San Bernardino, wants to ease some of the pain by offering a place where survivors; including family left behind by those killed, can go to heal and know that the community has not simply forgotten about them. The IECG is a nonprofit organization that focuses on strengthening neighborhoods with community gardens.

On Saturday, December 3, 2016, the IECG will commemorate and plant a Healing Grove Memorial honoring those who lost their lives in the attack.  Fourteen trees, one to honor each life lost in the attack will be planted.  The planting ceremony will take place at the San Antonio Park located at North Mountain Avenue and West 24th Street in the City of Upland at 10:00 a.m.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend to show support to the families of those who lost their lives and those who survived the attack.  Survivors will be given the opportunity to speak during the program. “For many, this memorial and others like it will help cope with the pain and shock that our community has gone through,” Eleanor Torres said, Co-Executive Director of IECG.

Those who attend who would like to help plant the fourteen trees should bring gardening gloves and a shovel. This memorial planting in memory of the victims and survivors of the San Bernardino terrorist attack was made possible by the IECG with funding from CAL FIRE and the U.S. Forest Service. For more information call Eleanor Torres at 909-499-9733 or email etorres@3i-s.com.

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