NORFOLK, Neb. (KTIV) -
"It wasn't a Norfolk tragedy it was a Northeast Nebraska tragedy because lives were impacted all over the area," said Senator Mike Flood of Norfolk, Nebraska.
Ten years have past since the deadliest bank robbery in Nebraska history, but many in the Norfolk community still feel the pain.
Five lives lost in less than 50 seconds as gunman stormed the U.S. Bank branch on September 26th, 2002.
In the hours that followed the shooting, people gathered to show their support for the families who lost loved ones. Ten years later, they gathered again as show of strength and support making sure what was taken from them is not forgotten.
Standing on the land where five lives were tragically cut short, this memorial service honoring the victims of the U.S. Bank murders offered words of sadness.
"The family of Lola Elwood continues to struggle with the loss," said a family friend.
And words of healing.
"As a family we challenge the community to honor this tragedy with acts of kindness to one another. We're asking each of you to look around you every day. When you see hurt, provide healing. Where there is hate, show love," said a spokesperson for Lola Elwood's family.
Dozens gathered as the Norfolk Ministerial Association offered up words of comfort and prayer, trying to help a community find understanding in the unexplainable.
About 8:45 on the morning of September 26th, 2002, three gunman entered the bank at the corner of 13th and Pasewalk. Less than a minute later they had shot and killed five of the seven people inside.
Samuel Sun, Jo Mausbach, Lola Elwood and Lisa Bryant all worked at the bank. Evonne Tuttle was a customer. The loss and the anniversary brought back a flood of emotions for some.
The memorial service focused on healing for the community and remembering the victims. Not just for how they lost their lives, but for how they lived their lives.
Evonne Tuttle's mother says she tries to keep her daughter's memory alive by sharing stories and photos with Evonne's three daughters.
"She didn't criticize, she was just wonderful and I keep thinking about all the things she's missed. But she's okay, she's alright. I know she's alright and I guess I just need to strengthen her family and make sure they can remember those things," said Vivian Tuttle, Evonne's mother.
Virginia Tuttle was only five years old when her mom died. Her sister Sarah was three. The marker at this memorial calls Evonne energetic and vivacious, words her daughters hold dear.
Virginia Tuttle said, "Everyone tells me she was exactly those words and I just don't remember it and I never really got to experience it because I never really got to know my mom."
But they find strength in the outpouring of support.
"It's nice to know people care and even today random people that just feel our pain come up to us and hugged us like made a prayer with us and that was nice," said Virginia.
The family of Samuel Sun says they're moved by the turnout. But even ten years later, his mother still questions why.
"Just the other day she was telling me that even as a little boy he would want to feed the hungry and give money to the poor so it makes it really hard for her to wrap her head around the fact that somebody did this to her really good child," said family member Joan Sun.
And while many still struggle to find that answer, they're coping as a community.
Dozens attended a memorial service at the site of the former U.S. Bank Branch in Norfolk, Nebraska Wednesday morning
