Topic: Murder

The Legacy of Heroes

By David W. Shelton | July 1, 2006 |

A few weeks ago, I wrote of how my childhood was colored in the pages of comic books and how the best heroes I imagined were in those colored panels. I would imagine how those stories would be so cool if they were real.

But like any fantasy, I had to come to a realization that those heroes in colored tights and flashy capes would never materialize. Sure, they’d come close. Comic books have made some really great movies in the last thirty years. Some of the more notable successes of the panel-to-big-screen transfer are Superman: The Movie, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2, Batman, Batman Begins, and this year’s Superman Returns.

I had the great pleasure of watching Superman Returns with my two best friends from childhood. We were once again those three crazy boys as we watched the opening credits fly past on the screen. It was a chance to be a child again. And we were children in awe of the hero as he saved the day and carried on his legacy. Not to spoil the movie for those who haven’t seen it, we see him save a Boeing 777, a space shuttle, a number of cars and falling signs, and the damsels in distress.

But like most heroes, Superman is alone. The character is remembered for his impact far more than his flashy blue tights. This is a character that is recognized across the world as a symbol for idealism.

But symbols are sometimes overshadowed by real people whose lives are reflected in those they have touched. These people—living, flesh and blood people—are examples of the best that humanity has to offer, warts and all. One such person was a soft-spoken person by the name of Juan Julian Vasquez. «Read the rest of this article»

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A community united in grief.

By Bill Larson | June 30, 2006 |

Clarksville came together today, to recognize and celebrate the lives of two of it’s citizens. We came together representatives of every race, creed, and walk of life, united by our mutual respect, friendships, and love for Juan Julian Vasquez, Sr and Thomas Leon Vasquez. Though their lives were cut short, they left their indelible mark on the city and the community they loved.

Clarksville should take steps to memorialize Juan Julian Vasquez Sr and the contributions he made towards the unity of our city during his tenure as the vice chairman of the Human Relations Commission. «Read the rest of this article»

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Funeral Information For Juan & Thomas Vasquez

By David W. Shelton | June 27, 2006 |

The viewing for Hispanic Civil Rights Leaders, Thomas and Juan Vasquez will take place on Thursday June 29, 2006 from 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Followed by a prayer vigil from 8:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The family extents an invitation to all to join them for the funeral on Friday June 30, 2006.  The funeral will begin at 11:00 a.m. «Read the rest of this article»

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Statement from Clarksville Human Relations Commission on the murder of Juan Julian Vasquez

By David W. Shelton | June 24, 2006 |

On behalf of all of us with the Clarksville Human Relations Commission, we are deeply saddened and shocked at the death of Mr. Juan Julian Vasquez and his son, Thomas. Mr. Vasquez was vice-chair of the CHRC and served with dignity, honor, and great pride.
  «Read the rest of this article»

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