Christina Taylor Green laid to rest after Tucson tragedy
Published: January 14, 2021
2,000 Mourners turned out on Wednesday to pay their respects to Christina Taylor Green. The 9 year old was tragically killed last weekend by Jared Loughner as he mercilessly killed 6 people and injured 18 more, including Gabrielle Giffords.
The bubbly 9-year-old was the youngest victim of the Arizona shootings, and perhaps embodies the sentiments given by President Obama in his speech, the higher angels of which he spoke so passionately.
Christina was the first Tucson victim to be laid to rest, and 5 more services follow over the coming days, today being that of US District Judge John Roll, at the same church, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
John Roll had served for nearly 40 years as a judge, and decided to stop by the meet-and-greet for the Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. Giffords hailed the event as ‘congress on your corner.’
Giffords herself was gravely injured during the shooting, receiving a bullet to her head for her troubles. She currently lies in hospital in a drug induced coma, although doctors are confident that she will make a good recovery.
Christina Taylor Green was born on September 11th, 2001, one of the darkest days in our planet’s history, although not for her parents. The tragedy of it all is that she came into this world during a day of such horrific events, and left it the victim of equally horrific circumstances.
Today is not a day to connect the political dots that led to this tragedy; enough squabbling has been done in the name of patriotism, dedication and devotion to a ‘side’ already. Indeed Obama himself recognised as much, evidenced by the words he delivered at the Tucson memorial.
Before the service began, family and closest friends stood holding hands beneath an enormous American flag recovered from Ground Zero, where they held a moment of silence to reflect.
As they then made their way inside, mourners remained outside and lined both sides of the street, stretching some quarter of a mile. Some dressed as angels, while others placed candles along the roadside - they came to show their support; their unity.
“She would want to say to us today, ‘Enjoy life,’” said Bishop Gerald Kicanas, who presided over the funeral. “She would want to say to us today, ‘God has loved me so much. He has put his hand on me and prepared a place for me.’”
“Her time to be born was Sept. 11, 2001,” he continued. “Her time to die was the tragic day, Jan. 8, 2011, just nine years old she was. But she has found her dwelling place in God’s mansion. She went home.”
“Christina Taylor Green, I can’t tell you how much we all miss you,” her father said. “I think you have affected the whole country.”
Not just the whole country. The waves of this tragedy have crashed upon shores all around the world leaving an indelible high water mark, there to remind us how fragile our lives truly are. As with so many tragedies past, there emerges the hope that some light will shine on all of this and that differences can be put aside more readily.
Please share your thoughts on the tragic events in Tucson that led to Christina’s death by leaving a comment.
images: wizbangblog.com, yahoo.com
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World Spinner
14. Jan, 2011
Christina Taylor Green laid to rest after Tucson tragedy ……
Here at World Spinner we are debating the same thing……
toni
14. Jan, 2011
to the post above: Beautifully said!
Rise'
14. Jan, 2011
This tragedy still brings tears to my eyes. Such a beautiful girl, so innocent lost to this world as we know it. On 9-11-2001. While the world had lost so many this child was born, as she touch the lives of those around her, her death marked a remembrance of such a horrible day. As her beauty was there as an example that bad things can bring good to the hearts of many.
I morn for her family, friends and classmates. They have lost something so precious. I too lost two children, one as a baby and the other in a MVA. There is noting this life that can replace our losses. But knowing their beauty will shine one forever, will stand to defeat death which took them away.
May God Bless this family and keep them close as one piece will forever be missing. I know this pain, but one day beautiful memories will take the place of pain,though not present with us on earth, they live forever in our hearts. Christina made her mark and that she will forever be in the hearts of many who never knew her.
pattie
14. Jan, 2011
I agree with Rise. People all over the world morn the loss of this beautiful soul. And those of us who have lost a child know how deep the pain can pierce the heart. I lost my son six years ago. May God wrap the family in the palm of his hands and help them endure this horrific tragedy. “Even though the voice is quiet, the spirit still echoes.”
Nikki
16. Jan, 2011
To the poster who also lost a child, your words are so beautiful, I also offer you my sincerest of condolences, you heart is beautiful as is your post!
I want to offer this beautiful, kind and loving family my sincerest of condolences your child was trully a gift direct from “God Above” I really do Believe he is holding her in his arms right now, she will always be with you until you are trully together again.
She touched so very many of us, me personally I looked at all the things she wanted to do in her young years and realized I should be doing more, because of her I have decided to do just that, my doctor’s say no you can’t but I Believe “Yes I can” thank-you Christina, for all you have done and given to so very many of us! May God Bless You & Your Beautiful Family!xo
Brent
14. Jan, 2011
Her death is very much a tragedy, in the sense that there is a powerful lesson to be learned here.
When beliefs are held strongly and promoted, we all win.
When beliefs are accompanied by violence, we all lose.
January the 14th, the world suffered an irreplaceable loss, both in a beautiful young person and in its humanity.