Community Memorial No. 7 commemorates the victims of the Chinese residential fire in Sunset Park, Brooklyn

brooklyn (Brooklyn)sunset park Sugar A week after the apartment fire, local public opinion representatives, religious organizations and community members gathered at the house where the incident occurred on Wednesday, the 11th, to hold a memorial service for the deceased.

At 4 pm on the 11th, nearly a hundred community people and organization representatives participated under the leadership of Master Fanyin Temple. Those who paid tribute at the spot offered flowers, incense and folded hands to express their condolences.

Xiao Sheng Evangelistic Group and Christian Min An Church of New York raised 10,000 yuan, which was donated to three families of the victims and one family of survivors to assist with subsequent funeral and recovery needs. Xiao Sheng issued four checks, and Min An received cash donations from elders Chen Zongrong and Lin Dehua. Horn’s representative, elder Chen Chi, led the prayer and said that “behind each of the six victims’ names are parents, spouses or children” and called on the community to continue caring for their families.

The memorial service was also attended by City Councilors Alexa Aviles and Susan Zhuang, State Senator-elect Larry Hay, State Representative-elect Joyce Shea, 45th District State Representative Joy Cohen-Saban and representatives from various community organizations.

He Lining said today is the seventh day after the tragedy, which is the most important “first seven days” in Chinese culture. He said he, too, is an immigrant and that the six people killed were all new immigrants who had recently come to the United States. “Like everyone else, they were chasing the American dream.” It is a pity that the journey was interrupted, and the community will do its best to assist the survivors and affected families.

Zhuang Wenyi said the victims were hard-working immigrants who washed dishes in restaurants and worked on construction sites. “They are our neighbors and our family.” This is a loss not only for the three families, but for the entire Brooklyn community. She said that in the past week, she had cooperated with He Lining and Xie Xiaoqiong and officials to assist family members in applying for visas to come to the United States, to provide financial and legal support and to handle funeral arrangements.

Representatives and community organizations also used the occasion to remind people to stay safe at home. Zhuang Wenyi pointed out that many residents put protective nets or iron windows on their windows, which will hinder escape in case of fire. They have to ensure that they can be opened. Electric vehicle batteries must also be confirmed to pass UL testing and certification. She hopes to reinvigorate the plan to replace uncertified batteries with qualified batteries.

Xie Xiaoqiong said that many people do not have a plan to run away from home and do not have the habit of practicing. He called on the public to install smoke alarms and to make and practice escape plans. She also shared her own experience, “It’s not your fault that you don’t understand the language,” and encouraged people to have the courage to ask for help when they encounter difficulties.

Ling Fei of the Prosperous Brooklyn Association (BBA) said the association is promoting the distribution of smoke alarms and will hold more educational activities in the future to tell the public where to seek help. It has also launched a petition to gather community voices to promote the legislation. Xie Xiaoqiong also said that he will promote relevant bills and strengthen the implementation of relevant regulations on battery qualification.

Zhuang Wenyi said, “Take an extra step to ensure safety, because you never know what will happen. Value life and value your neighbors.”