Some people might still not be able to believe that the basketball legend is truly gone. In order to help them mourn properly, a public memorial is being held.
It's been almost two weeks since basketball legend, Kobe Byrant and his daughter left his family and fans heartbroken with their passing. But it wasn't just them who were devastated by their loss. The families of all those who lost their lives in the helicopter crash are suffering as well, having had to come to terms with the fact that they didn't even get to say a last goodbye to them. However, there is a chance to finally honor all those who were victims of the horrific crash including Payton Chester, 13; Sarah Chester, 45; Alyssa Altobelli, 14; Keri Altobelli, 46; John Altobelli, 56; Christina Mauser, 38; and the helicopter's pilot, Ara Zobayan, 50.
A public memorial for Kobe Bryant and the eight other victims of the tragic helicopter crash will be held later this month, according to Today. The Los Angeles Lakers legend, his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and the seven others who died in the crash in Calabasas on January 26 will be memorialized on February 24 at the Staples Center, said multiple law enforcement sources to NBC News, reported Today.
But there's more to this date than you might realize. 2 and 24 are the numbers of Gianna's and Kobe's basketball jerseys respectively. Hence holding the memorial on 2/24 is a way to pay tribute to the beautiful souls who were taken too fast from us. Additionally, the Staples Center was Kobe Bryant's home venue while he played for 20 seasons with the Lakers. Since his passing, mourners and fans have been visiting the site to place candles, signs and other items to honor the 41-year-old athlete and his daughter, Gianna, who was looking to follow in his footsteps.
He wanted her to become an even bigger legend than him and was proud of her achievements. “It’s a trip to see her move and some of the expressions she makes,” Bryant had said of Gianna, according to a Los Angeles Times article. “It’s a trip how genetics work.” In fact, when asked when the father would have a son to carry on his legacy, “This one,” he said, pointing to Gianna. “She’s something else.” Now to have them both gone is truly a loss.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who announced the news of the memorial, said, “There will absolutely be a memorial to mark the contributions of this incredible man and not only him, but to commemorate the loss of his daughter and all the other families that were there. We don’t have that date finalized but we’ve been talking every day to the Lakers [at the time of his speech on January 30], and most importantly, to [Bryant’s widow, Vanessa] as well."
"I think one message that I would say is this is not just about a man who was a basketball player, this is about a father, this is about a leader, this is about a filmmaker, this is about an artist, this is about somebody who was so much more than just how he was on the court,” Mayor Garcetti said, according to the Los Angeles Times. “It’s a reminder how much unity we have, though. We are one city that believes in each other, believes in something bigger than ourselves and we will absolutely do everything to make sure that this is done so that everybody can come to it as well.”
This is truly a beautiful way to honor the basketball star and those who lost their lives in the crash. R.I.P to those who were taken away too soon and our condolences to those who didn't have the chance to even hear their voices one last time.
References:
