Community Memorial Reflects and Renews One Year Later

LEWISTON (WGME) – Lewiston/Auburn residents gathered at the Coliseum Friday night to mark the one-year anniversary of Maine’s worst mass shooting.

This service marked a milestone for the community, one year of moving forward. However, the message for those directly affected by the shooting was not dependent on the calendar. It was just another day in the healing process.

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

More than 900 people gathered at the Lewiston Coliseum, clutching candles and supporting each other.

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

The stadium went silent twice, once at 6:56 pm to remember those who died at the Just-In-Time Recreation, and again twelve minutes later at 7:08 pm to remember the people who died at the Schemegees bar.

The crowd tries 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 the enormous loss, the Force’s message to the community was one of hope and unity. She expressed gratitude for the connections she has made with other bereaved families.

“These connections have formed a web of a wonderful community that will forever remain a strong Lewiston, and I am proud to be a part of it,” Seale said.

At one point in the program, everyone who had lost a loved one, survived that night, or was caring for a survivor was asked to stand. Hundreds of people 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 Stockinger, an attorney for the Maine Resiliency Center. “This beautiful tapestry of our community will not disintegrate or float away. We will still be a great spectacle.”

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

“The resilience you showed was amazing, but not surprising—not to anyone who grew up here,” Caron said.