Saturday will mark a very somber anniversary for the city of Lafayette. It was on July 23rd of 2015 that a lone gunman open fire in a Lafayette theater. Two innocent lives were lost that night. The gunman turned the gun on himself and took his own life.

It's now one year later. Around the city of Lafayette everyone quietly remembers the horror but rejoices in the celebration of the lives of the two victims. The memories of Mayci Breaux and Jillian Johnson have been kept alive by members of the Acadiana community. It's in their memory that this awful event has become a reason to celebrate all that is good about the people and the spirit of South Louisiana.

Joey Durel was Mayor/President of Lafayette at the time of the shooting.

As bad as it feels to say it, we don't have any choice as a community but to move on,and we did. And in a very positive way.

Durel's comments to the Louisiana Radio Network suggested that a local event became a national tragedy. He said the community and the nation came together as one.

In particular, Durel noted the high praise and support of law enforcement agencies whose prompt action prevented this tragedy from escalating. The people of South Louisiana showed their appreciation for police in many different ways.

There was an amazing amount of outpouring from people and restaurants. I know our officers felt very, very appreciated.

It's amazing how one tragic event can bring a community together. In Lafayette, people of all races, religions, creeds, and cultures bonded that hot summer night to define the term Lafayette Strong.

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