OGDEN -- Normally, a serious audience will get annoyed when children laugh and play during a moment of silence.
But on Thursday afternoon, such noise seemed appropriate during an event to honor two young lives that were cut short.
The Pinwheel Vigil for the Powell Boys drew several hundred participants to a ceremony next to a playground in Ogden Municipal Gardens. People of all ages held blue-and-silver pinwheels as a reminder that a child's life should be full of innocence.
A short ceremony including two speakers, a prayer and a vocal solo of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" took place in front of a backdrop advertising Prevent Child Abuse Utah. "Be a Part of the Solution" was a featured slogan on the backdrop.
"At a time like this, there is a sorrow for which no heart could ever be prepared," said Sister Stephanie Mongeon, of Mount Benedict Monastery.
She spoke of Sunday's tragic death of Charles Powell, 7, and Braden Powell, 5, who were killed in an explosion and fire set off by their father, Josh Powell.
"Although Charles and Braden were taken at so young and tender an age, their lives were not in vain," Mongeon said. "We know that all the potential they were gifted with at birth will be fully realized in heaven, where there will be no more mourning, and their sorrow is turned to joy."
Mongeon talked of how the boys had left a mark on society.
"That mark is a deepening, vibrant conviction that we ALL must do everything possible to create a more peaceful world that begins within families," she said.
"Today, we believe that we must reach out with stable families, our community and our world."
Several in the crowd spoke of being moved by the ceremony.
"Sister Stephanie's words were so appropriate, so beautiful," said Mary Anne Bushnell, of Ogden, speaking through tears.
Bushnell said she thought it important to attend the event to show unity in the community.
"We're all aware of child abuse," she said. "It's got to stop."
Bushnell's husband, Mart, said Mongeon's words were soothing to him.
"It doesn't give it any meaning, but it helps to understand," he said.
A three-generation family group said being there was something they thought they could do to honor two young lives.
"It's a really sad tragedy, and it hurt us deeply," said Melissa Cummins, of South Ogden, who brought a niece and her two sons, who are about the same age as Charles and Braden.
"We wanted to support the community and child-abuse awareness."
Cummins' mother, Peggy Davis, of South Ogden, said she thought attendance at the event was an important community project.
"We need to try and see that it doesn't happen to someone else," she said.
Prevent Child Abuse Utah, the sponsor of the event, regularly holds similar activities and offers presentations on how to recognize and report child abuse when it occurs.
For more information or to schedule a presentation, call Prevent Child Abuse Utah at 801-393-3366 or visit preventchildabuseutah.org.
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