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For the 21st year of the lighting of the homicide victims' memorial tree and candlelight vigil in Modesto as hundreds gathered to remember the ones they loved and lost.
Nan Wallace attended the event for the second time in memory of her son, Stanislaus County Sheriff's Deputy Dennis Wallace. He was killed in the line of duty November 2016.
"He loved everybody," Nan said. "He loved the kids. He loved the kids progress and grow."
Her other son, Dave Wallace, who is also in law enforcement with the Modesto Police Department, was also there in memory of Dennis. Not only did he come out for the vigil, but earlier in the day he said goodbye to one of his friends, Stanislaus County Sheriff's Deputy Tony Hinostroza. Hinostroza was recently killed in the line of duty.
"Tony was a good man," Dave said. "He was a good guy. That guy. Big dude. Big smile and loved to rock and roll."
"His mother," Nan said. "I know exactly how she feels. I know exactly what she's going through. I feel so bad for her pain.'
For some families, they've been going out here every year. This is how they grieve. Families are invited to have an ornament in memory of their loved one and place it on the tree.
"His life was such that we were left with so many happy memories," Nan said. "Those are the things that you have to hang on to. He's not forgotten at all."
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