Hundreds of people gathered outside the Kensington Community Centre in Vancouver Sunday evening to pay their respects to the victims of the horrific Lapu Lapu Day festival attack that claimed the lives of 11 and left dozens more injured.
Candles were lit, messages were written, and hugs were shared, as everyone processed the tragedy in their own personal way.
The crowd was quite diverse, with people of all ages and backgrounds coming out to support the Filipino community.
Aside from laying flowers and lighting candles, attendees wrote messages of support on a number of posters throughout the park.
"Our deepest condolences, love, prayers, and big hugs to all who have these moments of pain, loss, and hurt," one note read, and another hoped those impacted "find comfort and strength in the love of community in this unimaginable time."
Many of the messages spoke directly to the Filipino community.
"Just like Lapu Lapu, we are strong, and resilient, and overcome adversity," one read. "All the best and love to our community. We are warriors."
Some were written in Tagalog, the language of the Philippines, including one that said simply, "Ingat," which translates to "get home safe."
A number of politicians attended, including NDP leader Jagmeet Singh and Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim.
"It's shaken our city to its core, and we're gonna make sure incidents like this don't happen," Sim said, calling the incident a "devastating," but "random, unique event."
This was far from the only memorial in the area. Closer to the actual site of the attack, a number started with a single bouquet of flowers in the morning and were added to throughout the day.
One was set up the corner of Fraser St. and 44th Ave.
Another on the corner of 41st Ave. and Fraser St. featured a number of heartfelt messages to the Filipino community.
The 30-year-old male suspect, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, has since been charged with eight counts of murder, though more charges may be filed as the investigation continues. Authorities said he had a "significant history" of interactions with police and healthcare professionals related to mental health.
