Annapolis Honors Capital gazette Victims with New Roadside Dedication
Annapolis, MD – Seven years after a tragic mass shooting claimed the lives of five members of the Capital Gazette newsroom, the city of Annapolis has unveiled a new roadside dedication honoring thier memory. The sign, prominently displayed on Rowe Boulevard near the State Capitol, will serve as a lasting tribute visible to the thousands who travel in and out of Maryland’s capital each day.
The dedication reads: “The Capital Gazette Five,” recognizing Gerald Fischman, Rob Hiaasen, John McNamara, Rebecca Smith, and Wendi Winters – the journalists and staff members murdered on June 28, 2018, when a gunman attacked the Capital Gazette offices.
“As thousands of people travel along Rowe Boulevard, they will see this sign and be reminded of the lives taken far too soon and of the resilience that defines this community,” said Marty Padden of the Capital Gazette, speaking at the unveiling ceremony.
The dedication holds particular significance for the families of the victims. Winters Geimer larca, daughter of Wendi Winters, emphasized the importance of remembering the motive behind the senseless act. “I don’t want people to forget that these were journalists and staff members who died because someone didn’t like what was written about him in the paper – even though it was true,” she stated.
Former Capital Gazette photographer Paul Gillespie expressed hope that the sign will spark curiosity and ensure the victims’ legacies endure. “They’re going to, hopefully, want to know what it’s about, and then look into it more – and keep Rob, Gerald, Wendi, John and Rebecca’s names alive, and their legacy alive,” he said.
the Maryland transportation Commission unanimously approved the dedication, with Commissioner Justin Towles explaining that the sign isn’t just about the tragedy, but about recognizing the victims as “Marylanders of significance.”
Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley, who was in office at the time of the shooting, underscored the personal impact of the loss. “It’s also, more and more, a far more personal thing. It’s the story of who they were, all that they achieved and stood for, and all the ways they shaped us,” he said. “They live on - still speaking to us, still shaping our stories, still and always part of our community.”
While seven years have passed, the pain remains palpable for those who knew and worked alongside the victims. Gillespie, still employed by the Capital Gazette, reflected on the enduring loss, stating, “I can’t believe it’s been seven years.”
Key Takeaways:
* A new roadside dedication honors the five victims of the 2018 Capital Gazette shooting.
* The sign is located on Rowe Boulevard in Annapolis, a highly visible location.
* Families and colleagues emphasize the importance of remembering the victims and their dedication to journalism.
* The dedication serves as a symbol of resilience and a reminder of the importance of a free press.
SEO Notes:
* Keywords: Capital Gazette, Annapolis, mass shooting, roadside dedication, journalism, Maryland, Rob Hiaasen, Gerald Fischman, John McNamara, Rebecca Smith, Wendi Winters.
* Meta Description: Annapolis honors the five victims of the 2018 Capital Gazette shooting with a new roadside dedication, ensuring their memory lives on.
* Headline: Optimized for search and clarity.
* Internal Linking: Opportunities to link to related articles on press freedom or previous coverage of the shooting.
* Image Alt Text: descriptive alt text for the image to improve accessibility and SEO.
* Structured Data: Consider adding schema markup for events (the unveiling) and people (the victims).