Memorials for Martin set Sunday in Warren

Staff report

WARREN

Friends of the four people who died in a house fire March 3 in Warren are organizing a memorial service at 3 p.m. Sunday at Packard Park to remember Trayvon Martin, the Florida 17-year-old killed by a neighborhood block-watch member.

A similar memorial is planned for 4 p.m. in Courthouse Square, organized by Pastor Robert Lewis of God’s House Ministry of Warren. Pastor Lewis operates his ministry from various homes.

Roderick Lewis, a Warren community activist, said the Packard Park event will provide free food and music at the park pavilion and shelter house. It also will have activities for children.

Those attending are asked to wear a hooded sweat shirt. The organizers will hand out Skittles candy.

Martin was wearing a hooded sweat shirt and carrying Skittles when he was killed. The incident has touched off demonstrations across the country.

The Packard Park event will not be a demonstration, Pastor Lewis said. It will focus on memorializing Martin and others who have died.

Holmes, 38, her two daughters, Mari’Auna Holmes, 13, and Marniece Holmes, 9; and Yolanda’s fianc , Edtawn Kimble, 32, died in the fire, which started on the kitchen stove.

The Courthouse Square event will focus on providing youth with information on how to avoid making decisions that could have an adverse effect on their future.

“This is not the time to die. We are losing too many youth too young,” Pastor Lewis said.