Memorial service held to honor the victims of the Gilroy Garlic Festival shooting

GILROY, Calif. (KION) On Wednesday, a memorial was held at the Gilroy Center for the Arts to honor the victims of the 2019 Gilroy Garlic Festival shooting.

A somber day of remembrance for those three victims who lost their lives during the tragic shooting at the Gilroy Garlic Festival. It's been two years since it's happened yet the healing is taking time. One San Francisco native and survivor of the shooting returned to Gilroy for the first time since the shooting and recalls her harrowing experience.

"On our way leaving the event is actually when the shooting began. We were right there when it happened and unfortunately had to run for our lives that day," said Megan Bull.

Unfortunately, the emotional trauma would follow Megan turning into PTSD but she hasn't let the incident for living her life. In these two years, she's created a non-profit organization that helps victims deal with traumatic events.

"Getting here was hard but honestly listening and watching the speeches was empowering and having this focus of a non-profit that I put my energy into like Reclaim Foundation. It really helped myself grow and find power in my story," said Bull.

Gilroy's mayor and the Santa Clara D.A., Jeff Rosen, were present at the event.

"We are here in Gilroy for good. We are lifted up with a prayer of peace and kindness and two years later, this is where we all stand on a place of strength, empathy, kindness. We stand strong, we stand with empathy and kindness, and most importantly, we stand together," said Rosen.

 MEGAN ENCOURAGES THOSE WHO ARE SUFFERING as a result of gun violence, TO KEEP FIGHTING.

 Megan encourages those who are suffering as a result of gun violence, to keep fighting.

"It's a continual path but continue to empower yourself and learn and find resources and reach out for help," said Bull.