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Vigil held in Jacksonville to remember the 17 who died in Parkland shooting

Jacksonville was one of 25 sites where vigils took place to honor the 17 killed in the mass school shooting in Parkland last Wednesday.

The Florida PTA organized the simultaneous vigils in hope that they will be the last victims of violence in Florida schools.

"We will remember you, Stoneman Douglas. We will remember you Parkland, Florida," said Dr. Patricia Willis, Duval County Schools interim superintendent. "We remember you, families of these victims. We remember you, students and teachers injured.

One by one, Duval County students read the names of the 17 victims killed in the mass shooting

The vigil took place outside Bethel Baptist Church where dozens gathered to honor and remember.

MORE: Former Clay County girl in intensive care recovers after Parkland shooting | Brunswick man remembers hero coach killed in Parkland school shooting | Parkland shooting prompts conversation over mental illnesses | Jacksonville-area alumni of Stoneman Douglas join together to help victims

Some in attendance expressed a desire for change.

"Changes need to be made. I'm not sure what it is, but it's sad," said Priscilla Maass, a Duval PTA board member. "Not knowing that everyday is a possibility that he couldn't come home that day, so it's tough."

"Let us embrace the realization and own the responsibility that we have in many ways made this a dangerous world for our children," said Dr. Willis.


”Draft Draft Night in Duval: Thursday at 7PM on FOX30

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