The five white crosses commemorating the lives lost in the workplace shooting at the Henry Pratt Company in Aurora February 15, 2019, will be on display at the Aurora Historical Society from February 3 through February 18 at the Pierce Art and History Center.
The crosses, made by the late Greg Zanis of Aurora, who became famous for the 20,000 crosses he built for victims of violence around the country, were first displayed in the Spring of 2019, following the shootings. They have been put on display every year since then. They honor Trevor Wehner, Vicente Juarez, Russell Beyer, Clayton Parks and Josh Pinkard who were killed when a disgruntled employee went on a shooting rampage throughout the company buildings on Highland Avenue on the near West Side of Aurora.
In addition to the crosses there will be memorabilia left at the site by mourners.
The Pierce Center is at 20 E. Downer Place in Aurora, 60505. Hours are Wednesday-Friday from noon to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4p.m..
There are several videos of the first anniversary exhibit, including the original song “Aurora Strong” by singer-songwriter Bradley Green, and archived television coverage featuring then-chief of police Kristen Ziman, then-fire chief Gary Krienitz and Aurora mayor Richard Irvin. All are online at www.aurorahistory.org. The memoir of crossmaker Greg Zanis, who died May 4, 2020, is available on the website or in the Pierce Center gift shop.
—Aurora Historical Society