CHANDLER, Arizona — The City of Chandler has proclaimed September 23rd as Preston Lord Day to honor the life of the East Valley teen who was killed in a group assault last year.
Sep. 23 would have been Preston's 17th birthday and his family and friends, along with dozens of community members, came together at The Stillery in Chandler to celebrate his life.
"Obviously, it's a tough day right, but I'm overwhelmed by the amount of people that have shown up in our community to help us celebrate the life of Preston with us and it's very heartwarming to have everyone here," said Nick Lord, Preston's father.
Attendees wore orange, Preston's favorite color, along with jerseys of his favorite sports teams. The Combs High School student excelled in school and had a passion for sports, including basketball, football and golf. Above all else, though, he was known as a kind, devoted and loyal friend, brother and son who was always there to support those around him.
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“Along with losing Preston, I have lost part of myself that will never return," said Autumn Curiel, Preston's mother. "I'm here now to try and remember to smile for him, to laugh for him, and to be silly and kind for him. He was my buddy, my boy, my friend, and I was, and always will be so proud of him, as I told him almost daily."
Monday night's celebration of life featured a memorial butterfly release. Butterflies fluttered through the crowd of people, landing on loved ones.
“To me, this is Preston," said Melissa Ciconte, Preston's stepmother, as a butterfly landed near her heart. “I think it's just him saying he's proud, proud of what we're doing for his legacy, and he's here with us in spirit.”
Booths were set up around the memorial event for residents to pick up Justice 4 Preston signs and bracelets, along with Light the Night yard signs. Light the Night is an advocacy campaign resuming now where residents are encouraged to light up their front yards and driveways to push for justice for Preston and raise awareness about teen violence in the community.
The seven suspects accused of taking Preston's life are all charged with first-degree murder. They are still making their way through the court system.
The YMCA was also present at Monday night's event to promote free CPR training courses. Preston's family notes because of his brave friends who gave him CPR the night he was assaulted, his loved ones were able to spend two more days with him before he passed away.
In the eleven months since his tragic passing, he has sparked change in countless communities. In Chandler alone, the city has enacted an unruly gathering ordinance and a brass knuckles ban for minors. Preston Lord Day is also a day to remind the community that violence will not be tolerated.
"This is a declaration that says violence is not welcome in our community, and that we will work hard to keep Chandler a safe place," said Mayor Kevin Hartke.
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