Group marks "Day of Remembrance" for homicide victims

BROOKFIELD -- Sunday, September 23rd marked the annual "National Day of Remembrance" for homicide victims, and relatives of those murdered gathered at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield to share memories.

Family members who lost loved ones to homicide gathered at Wisconsin Memorial Park to hear poems and readings, participate in a candlelight vigil and balloon release and take in a fellowship pot luck.

Sunday's gathering was hosted by the Greater Milwaukee Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children -- a group that meets monthly.

"It's just a place where you can be yourself. If you want to sit and cry, nobody questions why you're crying. There's always someone there to give you a big hug," organizer Barb Prevort, who's son was murdered, said.

Barb and Frank Prevort reignited the group back in 2005.

"We didn't have any chapter for a year, and it was like my life had been broken apart again. We just could not be without a chapter and the support, so him and I took the leadership training and opened up the chapter here in Milwaukee," Prevort said.

Gilbert Limas drives up from Romeoville, Illinois every month. He says he finds comfort and support within the group -- 20 years after the death of his mother.

"They're wonderful, absolutely great support system and the bond was there. It's worth making the drive for. They're really supportive people. If I'm having a bad day, which happens quite a bit, I can call Frank or Barb and I can come here and say whatever's on my mind," Limas said.

The families in the group also signed petitions to keep the killers of their loved ones from getting out on parole.

CLICK HERE for more information on the Milwaukee Parents of Murdered Children branch.