By Katie Knapp
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kios/local-kios-801120.mp3
Omaha, NE – It was one year ago Friday that eight people were murdered inside the Von Maur department store in Omaha's Westroads Mall.
Hundreds of people gathered Friday afternoon outside the store's south entrance to remember the victims. Six Von Maur employees and two customers were shot to death by a teenage gunman, who then killed himself.
Company President Jim Von Maur remembered the eight victims for the happiness they brought to their colleagues, friends, and families. He also honored the survivors and thanked first responders for their efforts.
Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey says the response to the shootings at Von Maur showed the character of Omahans. He called the murders a senseless tragedy but said they don't define who Omahans are.
In the days following last December's shootings, the American Red Cross brought therapy dogs and counselors to the store to comfort employees. The United Way of the Midlands raised more than $1.3 million for the survivors and the victims' families.
Click on the link above to hear Friday's remembrance ceremony.