One of the survivors who was shot five times spoke about returning to the scene of the deadilest terrorist attack on American soil since 9-11. Kathy Vara reported on NBC4 News on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020.
It was the deadliest terror attack since 911. Fourteen people were killed in the San Bernardino Terror Attack on Dec. 2, five years ago this day.
Wednesday brought a long-awaited ground breaking for a memorial in the victims' honor.
"Today is a tough day. It definitely brings back memories," Kevin Ortiz said.
Kevin Ortiz was one of several survivors who returned to the scene of the mass shooting at the Inland Regional Center.
Wednesday marked the first time he has seen his office in five long years of recovery.
"After 21 days in the hospital, physical and psychological therapy as well, I finally feel like I'm in a lot better place," he said.
He was one of many people who stopped by the corner to leave flowers.
The pastor had been holding outdoor services for his flock in Fontana. Tony Shin reports for the NBC4 News on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020.
Just across town, at the county government center, a long awaited groundbreaking unveiled plans for a memorial called "The curtain of courage."
"Tragedy has a way of bringing us down but it also is a moment that we can uplift ourselves." Walter Hood said.
Renowned Oakland landscape architect and artist Walter Hood said he wanted to honor the 14 lives taken that day.
"The way I thought about it was...'is there a different way to think about how tragedies happen, but more how communities come together?" he said.
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A group of men embrace in prayer outside the crime scene where the suspects in the shooting at the Inland Resource Center were killed on December 3, 2015 in San Bernardino, California.
Kate Larsen, Matthew Halla
Candles are lit for victims of the deadly mass shooting in San Bernardino, California at an interfaith vigil in Granada Hills on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015.
Gordon Tokumatsu, Jeff Scharping
People continue to pay respects at the makeshift memorial for the victims of the deadly mass shooting in San Bernardino, California, on Monday, Dec. 7, 2015.
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People hold candles as they attend a vigil at the San Manuel Stadium to remember those injured and killed during the shooting at the Inland Regional Center were killed on December 3, 2015 in San Bernardino, California.
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Mourners embrace at a memorial service for Daniel Kaufman, one of the victims of the deadly mass shooting in San Bernardino, California, on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015.
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A memorial is seen near the Inland Regional Center as the community remembers those injured and killed during the shooting at the center on December 4, 2015 in San Bernardino, California.
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People hold candles as they attend a vigil at the San Manuel Stadium to remember those injured and killed during the shooting at the Inland Regional Center were killed on December 3, 2015 in San Bernardino, California.
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People attend a vigil at the San Manuel Stadium for victims of the deadly mass shooting in San Bernardino, California, USA on December 03, 2015.
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San Bernardino Mayor R. Carey Davis speaks during a vigil at the San Manuel Stadium for victims of the deadly mass shooting in San Bernardino, California, on December 3, 2015.
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People write messages and light candles at the street corner closest to the location of the recent mass shooting in San Bernardino, California on Dec. 3, 2015.
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People pray during a worship and prayer vigil service for victims on the day after the mass shootings at the Inland Regional Center, December 3, 2015 at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in San Bernardino, California.
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Faith Rodriguez, right, is comforted as she cries during a vigil at the San Manuel Stadium to remember those injured and killed during the shooting at the Inland Regional Center were killed on December 3, 2015 in San Bernardino, California.
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Vanessa Nguyen, the mother, and Trung Do, the brother, hold a photograph of Tin Nguyen who was one victims who died in the shootings in San Bernardino on Wednesday on display at her Santa Ana home on December 3, 2015.
Montgomery County Police Department
People hold candles as they attend a vigil at the San Manuel Stadium to remember those injured and killed during the shooting at the Inland Regional Center were killed on December 3, 2015 in San Bernardino, California.
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People hold candles up as they listen to the song, God Bless America, being sung as they attend a vigil at the San Manuel Stadium to remember those injured and killed during the shooting at the Inland Regional Center were killed on December 3, 2015 in San Bernardino, California.
Hood and his team worked together with families and survivors on the memorial which will be comprised of mesh panels made of bronze and steel cast, and various colors of glass.
It will create a place of healing and reflection for everyone, but especially the survivors, who will always remember what happened that day.
"It’s definitely something we can’t forget. Something that does not go to the back of our mind. We think about it daily," Ortiz said.
The memorial will be constructed mostly in Oakland and brought to San Bernardino. The goal is to have it in place by early next summer.
