CofC Remembers Fire Victims
posted 10:46 pm Thu November 01, 2007 - Charleston
The first of seven students was laid to rest Thursday in the aftermath of last weekend's beach house fire.
Hundreds filled the First Presbyterian Church in Florence where they remembered 18-year-old William Rhea. His older brother Andrew was able to escape the North Carolina fire.
Here at home, the family of a local victim, takes part in a sorority vigil at the College of Charleston. Cassidy Pendley, one of the seven killed, was remembered.
Hundreds with the College of Charleston Chapter of Delta Delta Delta planted a tree. The palm tree is in honor of the one Clemson University and six University of South Carolina students killed in a beach house fire.
Three of the girls who died, including Cassidy Pendley, were members of the sorority.
"We've all gone through the same thing. We all share this bond," said Delta Delta Delta Member Kristin DeFino.
DeFino and other Delta Delta Delta members also lit candles. The lights form a glow almost as big, and strong as their bond.
Cassidy's cousin Nathan Frandino was there, and says he feels the warmth.
"It's amazing to see everyone come together especially from a school just two and a half hours away from the University of South Carolina," added Frandino.
College of Charleston's Tri-Delta chapter planned the remembrance ceremony a day after hearing about the deadly fire.
"It just makes me feel incredibly grateful for having the support that we have over the last few days," added Frandino.
Nathan Frandino says Pendley's family has gotten numerous phone calls, emails, and letters from so many at the College of Charleston. He says the tree planting and candlelight vigil can help him do what's next for him, and his family.
"This is definitely a tragedy. We're just trying to piece things together, and hold strong as best as we can, and try to move on," added Frandino.
The enormous glow from the hundreds of candles lit showed compassion and love. Now that the candles have been put out, the tree is the lasting impression from the family at the College of Charleston for the lives lost.
An impression Frandino and Pendley's sister Carly could never have imagined. CofC's Tri-Deltas plan to place a plaque around the tree with a message to all the victims.
H
Hundreds with the College of Charleston Chapter of Delta Delta Delta planted a tree. The palm tree is in honor of the one Clemson University and six University of South Carolina students killed in a beach house fire. Three of the girls who died, including Cassidy Pendley, were members of the sorority.
"We've all gone through the same thing. We all share this bond," said Delta Delta Delta Member Kristin DeFino.
DeFino and other Delta Delta Delta members also lit candles. The lights form a glow almost as big, and strong as their bond.
Cassidy's cousin Nathan Frandino was there, and says he feels the warmth.
"It's amazing to see everyone come together especially from a school just two and a half hours away from the University of South Carolina," added Frandino.
College of Charleston's Tri-Delta chapter planned the remembrance ceremony a day after hearing about the deadly fire.
"It just makes me feel incredibly grateful for having the support that we have over the last few days," added Frandino.
Nathan Frandino says Pendley's family has gotten numerous phone calls, emails, and letters from so many at the College of Charleston. He says the tree planting and candlelight vigil can help him do what's next for him, and his family.
"This is definitely a tragedy. We're just trying to piece things together, and hold strong as best as we can, and try to move on," added Frandino.
The enormous glow from the hundreds of candles lit showed compassion and love. Now that the candles have been put out, the tree is the lasting impression from the family at the College of Charleston for the lives lost.
An impression Frandino and Pendley's sister Carly could never have imagined. CofC's Tri-Deltas plan to place a plaque around the tree with a message to all the victims.
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