Parents of Murdered Children vigil set for Monday

By MARK MAYNARD
The Independent

GRAYSON April 29, 2008 10:40 pm

— Ann Bauers became involved in the Parents of Murdered Children organization as a way to heal and also reach out to others.
Now in her fourth year of heading up the local chapter, she’s done just that by organizing an annual memorial vigil for victims’ families.
This year’s vigil takes place at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the New Beginnings Assembly of God Church, 160 Promise Land Drive in Grayson.
Bauers recruited John W. Gillis, director of the Justice Department’s office for Victims of Crime, to be the guest speaker.
“It makes you feel good that someone would come from Washington to speak and listen to us,” Bauers said. “And he can really relate. I was so excited that he accepted our invitation.”
Gillis, a former Los Angeles Police Department lieutenant and assistant command officer, is the parent of a murdered child. His daughter, Louarna, was murdered in 1979. He has been an advocate of crime victims ever since and is an active member of Memory of Victims Everywhere and Parents of Murdered Children.
“I read his bio and thought — he’s perfect to speak to us,” Bauers said. “Bob Thomas, a board member, told me to write and ask him. He accepted, and I was shocked and very pleased.”
She said several state dignitaries are expected to be on hand for the ceremony.
“The AG (attorney general) office called, the parole board and many state officials,” Bauers said.
The theme for the vigil is “Amazing Love,” she said.
Besides the guest speaker, there will be singing from Debbie Hale and John Stevens. Pastor Kyle Burchett will also speak. The traveling murder victims wall will be on display and refreshments will be served.
Bauers became involved in the organization after her son, Brian Keith Waugh, was murdered in 2003. The Carter County chapter was the first one in Kentucky. There are 100,000 members nationwide.
Meetings are the first Monday of each month at the church. The group provides grief support, bereavement counseling where members accompany each other to hearings of their children’s accused murderers and participate in parole blocking of convicted murderers.
MARK MAYNARD can be reached at mmaynard@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2648.