With the releasing of bright yellow balloons, the lighting of candles, and the singing of Amazing Grace, people in Hill City tried to heal their hearts and find peace.
A group of Hill City teenagers helped plan a vigil Sunday night to honor the memory of Justin Lewis.
Lewis, 15, went missing on Memorial Day at Deerfield Lake. An anxious search at the lake grabbed the attention of people throughout the region. His body was found about two weeks later.
Hundreds gathered at a Hill City soccer field Sunday night, the same field where Justin practiced with his club soccer team.
Members of the soccer team presented Justin's family with a signed soccer ball, a frame with Justin's retired number 6 jersey, and roses.
People stood side-by-side, holding bunches of bright yellow balloons decorated with a smiley face and kissing lips. His friends say the design signifies the bright, young man who brought a smile to people's faces and loved everyone.
Those in attendance released the balloons in the air and they floated into the sky together. After releasing balloons, there was prayer and then a time for people to share stories of Justin. The stories were light-hearted, helping to bring laughter to the crowd.
Later in the ceremony, organizers helped people light candles, passing the flame from one person to the next. With candles lit, people sang and observed a moment of silence. The ceremony ended with the reciting of the Lord's Prayer.
The young organizers say they're inspired by the community's response.
"I know our town is small and always pulls together but for some thing like this for a kid who's 15, they really pulled together and it was nice to see everyone come out and support the family," said organizer Lucas Brist, 18, who played soccer with Justin.
Justin's father, Gary Lewis, said that at Justin's funeral Saturday, many of Justin's friends filled out little cards where they left memories of Justin. He and other family members say Sunday night's ceremony was an opportunity to further celebrate Justin's life with the people who knew him best and many others who were simply touched by his story.
"We are here to celebrate the good of Justin," said Justin's father, Gary Lewis. "He did so many good things and just in his short time you can see he touched everyone and I think that's come together throughout the whole Black Hills just how emotional that is."
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Friends and family have organized a fundraiser to help the Justin Lewis family. The Justin Lewis Family Benefit and Auction is scheduled for Sunday, June 24, in Hill City from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Silver Dollar Saloon.
