Balloons glow for 26 shooting victims

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - One week after a gunman shot up a Connecticut elementary school, killing 20 children and six adults, Albuquerque remembered the victims in it’s own special way as balloon pilots took to Balloon Fiesta Park Friday.

Newtown School Shooting

The names of the 26 victims killed in the school shooting in Connecticut have been printed in newspapers and read on television.

On Friday, the names and ages of the victims were draped on gondolas i n Albuquerque during a balloon glow that many won’t soon forget.

 “I think we've all seen them all week,” Pilot Martin Adie said.

While Adie doesn’t have a close connection to any of the names there is one that stands out on the Balloon Fiesta Field for many New Mexicans. That name is Emilie Parker.

The 6-year-old was killed in the school shooting. She had moved from Rio Rancho to Newtown about a year ago.

Adie was given the banner that bared Emilie’s name.

“Never really thought you would be given that name,” Adie said. “Just somebody that is from this community and probably seen many of us fly overhead before she left. Its probably touching more than words can say.”

However, pilots weren't the only ones who rushed to tonight's balloon glow memorial.

“I like all of them,” Alicia Ortiz, 5, said as she walked the field with her dad.

For Alicia it's a chance to see beautiful balloons with her dad. For her dad, its a chance to spend another memory with his daughter. However, this one is bitter sweet.

“This is something that could happen anywhere,” Rafael Ortiz said. “That's what so scary about the whole thing.”

While Alicia doesn't fully understand why the nation including Albuquerque, is mourning she knows Friday night was different.

“That one has lots of kids on it,” Alicia said.

Pilots said this glow was there chance of letting the community of Newtown know they are not alone.