National Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc.’s 33rd Annual National Conference
By Danielle Rooney
Parents of Murdered Children (POMC) held their 33rd Annual Conference on August 8-11, 2019, in Denver, Colorado.
The conference was a great success with lots of tears, hugs, memory sharing, memory making and laughter. Yes, laughter. As shocking as that sounds, attendees know they are in a safe place and are able to bring comfort to each other during the conference.
Survivors from across the United States, Canada and Scotland attended the conference. This year’s theme was “Together We Climb The Mountain To The Peak Of Hope,” which was designed to help survivors move forward as they struggle to face the aftermath of murder.
Each year, different awards are given to members and professionals who have gone above and beyond to show support for the organization. Because the conference was in Denver, we were graced with the presence of Columbine and Aurora theater survivors sharing their stories of those fateful days.
There were a total of 46 workshops ranging from Mother, Father or Sibling Grief; DNA Database Searches; Aftermath of Murder; as well as many others. We had therapy dogs, which are always very helpful to get through the emotional weekend. On Friday evening, after the candlelight vigil and memorial video, a special presentation of a healing dance was performed by a young Native American man who had won third place in the world hoop contest.
We unveiled the National POMC Murder Wall…Honoring Their Memories. Survivors around the country gathered as the Denver Police Department Honor Guard slowly removed the black draping from each panel of the Wall. Currently the Murder Wall…Honoring Their Memories displays more than 3,800 names, dates of birth and dates of death, and is the only national memorial to murder/homicide victims. The Wall is a tangible and visible reminder that murder touches everyone, not a select few. In this way, our loved ones are not forgotten. It also serves to alert the public of the need to stop the violence.
Parents Of Murdered Children now has a support group on Facebook: Parents Of Murdered Children Online Support Group. It is for any survivors who do not have a POMC chapter near them or want to visit with other survivors at all times. Parents Of Murdered Children is open to all survivors of homicide. If you are interested in finding a support group near you, information can be found on our website, www.pomc.org, or by calling the National Office at 513-721-5683. If you know someone who is a survivor, you can also show your support by giving them our information.
A firm from Glasgow, Scotland, filmed some of the conference. They interviewed a few of our attendees as part of their presentation to be shown on BBC and in movie theaters worldwide. It will give POMC international recognition and could be very beneficial to our organization. The company, Glasgow Films, has made films in many countries around the world, such as Africa, South America, North America, Bangladesh, Germany, Austria, Scotland and many others. Many of these films have won international awards, including in the U.S.A.
Some of the attendees said, “This year’s conference was an excellent conference. Everything went smoothly, and the keynote speakers were exceptional. Also seeing the Columbine and Aurora memorials were moving. This was one of the best conferences, in my opinion.”
“The entire experience, including meeting wonderful, loving new people, could not be better.”
“I love all of the people I have met at POMC over the years. I have lifelong friends and a safe place to be.”
Save the Date for our 34th Annual Conference, which will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, July 23-26th, 2020. The conference is open to members, non-members and professionals. It will be held at the Hilton Head Airport on 1031 Virginia Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia, 30354. For further information, please contact Bev Warnock at bwarnock@pomc.org or by phone at 513-721-5683.
On September 25, 2019, The National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc. and countless other crime victims and survivors, will gather in cities and towns across the United States for the National Day of Remembrance to pay tribute and honor our nation’s murder victims and their surviving family members. The National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims not only recognizes murder victims, but also honors those organizations throughout the United States that provide services such as support, advocacy and counsel to loved ones of murder victims. POMC chapters and other organizations will be holding events around the nation to commemorate the Day Of Remembrance for Murder Victims.
