SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – A park that is normally filled with people playing sports and having picnics was filled to capacity with members of the community who have come together to mourn the loss of two of their own.
“Our house our words of kindness, our remembrances of Gracie and Dominic. Today we grieve for Gracie and Dominic, hope for the healing of our community,” said Saugus High School Principal Vince Ferry.
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A crowd of thousands gathered at Central Park in Santa Clarita for a Saugus Strong Vigil. People who loved 15-year-old Gracie Muehlberger and 14-year-old Dominic Blackwell shared their stories and their sorrow.
Members of the community and classmates of the two Saugus High School students hugged and held each other in their grief. Most people were still in shock that something like this had happened in their safe haven of Santa Clarita.
“One thing hearing about it everywhere else but it's completely hurts different knowing that it's here and knowing that we have one of the safest cities it. It really it really hurt and it really hit home,” said student Kailey West.
West and student Maximus Gardette decided a few days ago that they would turn a hobby into a symbol of healing and hope by making Saugus strong bracelets with all the proceeds going to help the victims’ families.
“Knowing that we can give back to the families and people can be united just by way of bracelets and seeing them on all the risks of everybody. It's very, it's a good feeling,” said West.
One bead at a time, they made bracelets along with some of their friends. With each bracelet that is slid onto someone's wrist, is an acknowledgement of Gracie and Dominic.
“Thank you guys so much,” Gardette says to someone who hands him a $20 donation.
While West and Gardette made bracelets, dedications to Dominic and Gracie were made on stage.
“Angelic, caring, intelligent and Energetic Gracie. Best sister that I could ask for,” said Gracie’s sister Riley.
The families shared memories that brought tears and some laughter.
“Dominic was extremely funny boy that I thoroughly enjoyed being heckled by a 4 year old,” says Dominic’s Uncle Chris.
Gardette has gone into high gear twirling beats at warp speed trying to get as many done before the crowd disperses.
“We all take life for granted sometimes, and we're not very thankful for it. And when in reality we should be thankful for every day we wake up and breath,” said Gardette.
From Boston strong to Thousand Oaks strong and now Saugus strong, another community is devastated by tragedy and grief. But once again, hoping to be even stronger on the other side of it.