As a gospel choir sang at the front of the Summer Grove Baptist Church sanctuary,mourners ushered downa pathway of open caskets for the viewing of theEternal Eight.
Theeight children tragically murdered on April 19were celebrated during a two-hourfuneral service, followed by a horse-drawn carriage arrival to the burial site at Forest Park West Cemetery on Saturday, May 9.
During the funeral services, dignitaries and religious leaders from across the United States showed up to honor the lives of Jayla Elkins, Shayla Elkins, Kayla Pugh, Layla Pugh, Markaydon Pugh, Sariahh Snow, Khedarrion Snow and Braylon Snow.
Gospel recording artists such as Lady Kim Burrell and Kirisma Evans honored the victims through song and word.
"We are not just here to spectate, be a part of a story. No, we are here for you," Burrell said. "I came from another state because I care. I want this family to know that God is real."
She continued by stating, "He is the God that makes decision like these, that makes us walk away scratching our heads, but he is a God that doesn't have to give us all the clues. Just know he makes no mistake."
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said the absence of these children has been deeply felt by the community, from teachers to classmates to neighbors.
"The community, bound together by love, now grieves together, holding tightly to the beauty these children brought into the world," Arceneaux said. "Their lives, though far too brief, were deeply meaningful, and their lives continue to shine in ways, both seen and unseen."
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Councilwoman Tabitha Taylor said, "The Eternal Eight will never be forgotten in the City of Shreveport."
Caddo Parish made a resolution, and Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry issued an executive order that the U.S. and Louisiana State flags will fly at half-staff for the next 8 days.
This days are in honor of the Eternal Eight:
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Saturday, May 9 – Jayla Elkins, 3
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Sunday, May 10 – Shayla Elkins, 5
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Monday, May 11 – Kayla Pugh, 6
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Tuesday, May 12 – Layla Pugh, 7
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Wednesday, May 13 – Markaydon Pugh, 10
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Thursday, May 14 – Braylon Snow, 5
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Saturday, May 16 – Khedarrion Snow, 6
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Sunday, May 17 – Sariahh Snow, 11
Louisiana State Sen. Sam Jenkins read the executive order issued by Landry, stating, "As a solemn tribute to these children whose lives were taken far too soon."
Before the mourners left the services to attend the burial ceremony several blocks away, Bishop Joseph Hall gave the funeral oration and message.
"God, Shreveport, Louisiana, loves you with all their hearts," he said. "God, we thank you even now, as hard as this is we thank you, God."
Check this story out:Shreveport grieves eight children killed in mass shooting
Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times:Shreveport mourns 'Eternal Eight' children at funeral service, burial