LONGVIEW, Washington (From news reports) -- This week marks one month since the chemical tank implosion that killed 11 workers at Nippon Dynawave Paper Mill in Longview. A vigil was held on Tuesday to honor the lives lost as friends, family, and neighbors continue to grapple with the tragedy.
"They were friends and family, they are always going to be friends and family, and we'll never forget them," said Sherry Parsons.
Parsons said the community of Longview is healing together through tragedy as it continues to grapple with the loss of 11 workers killed in the chemical tank implosion at Nippon Dynawave Paper Mill on May 26 -- a tragedy in which she lost friends in.
"It's an odd reality that you wake up, and you're just not sure what's going on, and it just hits you, knowing that you're never going to see them again," said Parsons.
A group showed up at the place where it all happened for a vigil on Tuesday to make sure those who died are remembered.
"We didn't know them or anything like that, but I've shed tears, just because it's a human life lost, 11 human lives lost, and it's sad, you know. We grieve with them, and we want them to know, and we grieve for them," said Stacey Green, who organized the vigil.
But for some at the vigil, this loss hit right at the heart.
"I was worried that maybe after two or three days the families would be forgotten about, but it's been completely different. I haven't seen this kind of unity in a community in several years, and it's nice," said Kory Kranz, who lost his nephews in the implosion.
And even through tragedy, this community is holding each other tightly and remaining Longview strong.
"At the end of the day, we are all neighbors, we are all family, we are all co-workers, and we support each other," said Kranz.