Hundreds of mourners converged at the Lake Harriet Band Shell in Minneapolis on Sunday, September 14, 2025, to honor the memory of Harper Moyski, the 8-year-old girl whose life was tragically cut short in the recent Annunciation church shooting. The gathering, open to all who loved Harper, offered a poignant mix of grief and celebration, as friends, family, and neighbors came together to remember a child whose humor and confidence left an indelible mark on everyone she met.
From the earliest moments of her life, Harper’s spark was evident. As her preschool teacher once recounted, when asked her name, Harper barely looked up from her coloring before declaring, “Badass.” It was a flash of wit and self-assurance that, according to her family, defined her spirit. That same spirit was at the heart of Sunday’s memorial, with attendees recalling the laughter, joy, and brightness Harper brought into their lives.
The event was awash in the green and blue colors of Annunciation Catholic School. Ribbons in those hues fluttered from benches throughout the bandshell, and many mourners wore Annunciation T-shirts, a subtle but powerful show of solidarity. The attire was familiar—many had donned the same shirts just days earlier at the funeral of another young victim, 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel, whose family joined the Moyskis and others in a shared moment of loss and remembrance.
Before the service began, the atmosphere was gentle and supportive. Volunteers moved quietly through the crowd, handing out stuffed animals to children, while soft music played from the speakers. At the front of the bandshell, poster-board collages displayed snapshots from Harper’s short but vibrant life: wide, laughing smiles, playful days at school, and family adventures that seemed to leap off the page. Each photo was a testament to a life lived with joy and exuberance, even if far too brief.
The memorial drew not only those who knew Harper personally but also a host of public figures who came to pay their respects. Governor Tim Walz, Senator Amy Klobuchar, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey all sat quietly among the families, their presence a sign of official support and shared sorrow. According to local coverage, their attendance was understated, emphasizing the focus on community healing and the importance of unity in the face of tragedy.
Leading the service was Pastor Tom Hurley of Old St. Patrick’s Church in Chicago, who offered prayers for Harper’s family, her school community, and the city of Minneapolis. Pastor Hurley’s words were a balm for the grieving, as he called on those gathered to “hold each other close and remember the light Harper carried.” The prayers were not just for one family, but for a community grappling with the emotional toll of violence and searching for a path forward.
Throughout the ceremony, stories and memories flowed freely. Friends and classmates shared anecdotes about Harper’s humor—her knack for making people laugh, her fearless approach to new adventures, and the confidence that made her stand out even among her peers. One attendee recalled, “Harper could walk into a room and light it up. She wasn’t afraid to be herself, and she made everyone else feel like they could be themselves, too.”
The sense of shared loss was palpable, especially among those who had also mourned Fletcher Merkel just days before. Families of both victims found comfort in each other, united by unimaginable grief but also by a determination to honor the children’s memories. The memorial was a space for sorrow, but also for resilience—a reminder that even in the darkest times, communities can come together to support one another.
Photos of Harper’s joyful moments, family adventures, and infectious smile adorned the bandshell, offering visual reminders of the happiness she brought to those around her. The images captured not just milestones, but everyday moments: a child at play, a sister sharing a joke, a daughter wrapped in her parents’ arms. For many, these glimpses into Harper’s life were both heartbreaking and healing, underscoring the magnitude of the loss while celebrating the impact she had in her short years.
As the service continued, Pastor Hurley led prayers that extended beyond Harper’s immediate circle. He spoke of the Annunciation community, still reeling from the tragedy, and of the city of Minneapolis, which has faced its share of challenges in recent years. “We pray for healing, for safety, and for the strength to keep moving forward,” he said, his voice steady but full of emotion.
The presence of public officials at the memorial was a reminder of the broader implications of the tragedy. According to local news reports, Governor Walz and Senator Klobuchar’s attendance was meant to signal ongoing support for the victims’ families and to acknowledge the need for continued efforts to ensure community safety. Their participation, though quiet, was not lost on those present. One attendee noted, “It means a lot to see our leaders here—not making speeches, but just being with us.”
The emotional toll of the shooting was evident throughout the memorial. Many attendees wept openly, while others offered hugs and words of comfort to those around them. The event served as both a collective mourning and a call to action, with several speakers urging the community to remain vigilant and to support initiatives aimed at preventing future tragedies.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Minneapolis residents have demonstrated remarkable resilience. Memorials like Sunday’s gathering at Lake Harriet are not just about remembering those lost, but about fostering support and awareness. They are opportunities for healing, for sharing stories, and for reaffirming the values that bind communities together.
As the sun set over the bandshell, the mood shifted from sorrow to hope. Attendees lingered, sharing memories and offering support to Harper’s family and to each other. The memorial ended not with a sense of finality, but with a renewed commitment to justice and healing—a promise that Harper’s light would not be forgotten, and that her spirit would continue to inspire efforts for safety and compassion in Minneapolis.
In a city still grappling with loss, the memory of Harper Moyski endures—a testament to the power of community, the importance of remembrance, and the unbreakable bonds of love and resilience.
