Adam RasmussenChannel 2 News
It's now been nine days since pilot Jimmy Leeward crashed his P-51 Mustang into a spectator area at the Reno Championship Air Races at the Reno-Stead Airport.
Ten people in the crowd were killed along with Leeward, and 11 victims are still in the hospital.
A memorial service was held tonight in honor of all the victims, their families and others affected by the crash.
People from all over the community gathered together at Idlewild Park in Reno to pay their respects, and try to get some closure.
"Help us move on," says Kristine Jackson. "Help us heal. Knowing that there are people in this community that do care."
"Just to show our support for all the families that are hurting right now," says Darrell Jackson "And just to be there for them."
Darrell and Kristine Jackson say this was the first year they did not to attend the air races, but still needed to come to the memorial service to pay their respects to those who lost their lives on Sept. 16th.
And they certainly were not alone.
Hundreds of victims, family members and people from the community came to grieve. The ceremony included a candle light vigil and oak tree dedication to all the victims. Emotions ran high.
"You could just feel all of the emotion gathering together that it was just such a sad moment in so many people's lives," says Brittany Dewing.
Gov. Brian Sandoval attended, speaking with victims and their families after the 40 minute ceremony concluded. He says the healing process will take time for everybody, but families appreciate all the community support.
"They're grieving, and they're hurting," says Sandoval. "But at the same time they said they would never expect it go get the response that they've gotten.
And for those like Bob Johnson who were at the air races and saw the entire crash unfold, there were mixed emotions about seeing some of the victims and families in such pain.
"There was a time period I said no, I really don't want to go relive the emotions," says Johnson. "But then you say, I have to."
Kristine Jackson created her own memorial at her home in Reno after the crash. Just like everybody else she's hoping the victims and families can get some closure out of this, and hopes she can do the same.
"We're just here showing our support for the families, for those who lost their lives and for those grieving families, just the families that are hurting."
