The Second Memorial Service for Ryo Oyamada started around 6 p.m. on Feb. 21st, 2015.
Although it was snowing on that night, nearly 50 people, including the press, attended the ceremony and thought about Ryo. The attendants were family and friends from Japan, residence of the neighborhood, people from Families For Safe Street and Japanese New Yorkers who learned about Ryo on the media. I am very thankful to everyone who came in the snow.
At the ceremony, around 40 candles that Ryo's friends made in Japan were brought in and lit up the ceremony warmly and beautifully.
Ryo's parents, Tsukasa and Chie Oyamada each gave a speech during the ceremony.
Here are the parts of their speeches.
Speech from the father, Tsukasa;
Here are the parts of their speeches.
Speech from the father, Tsukasa;
Two years ago today, Ryo was hit by the NYPD patrol car here, and he became one of the people who never could come back at the age of 24.
We started the lawsuit to know the truth immediately after the incident.
Currently, our attorney, Mr. Vaccaro develops aggressive and strong arguments against the police though this lawsuit. However, the indisputable truth has not yet been revealed to us because of the concealment and fabrication by the NYPD.
The mission of the police is to protect the citizens, nevertheless such tragedies like taking the life away from the innocent citizens continue to happen. In such cases, the police always try to insist that the police have done nothing wrong, and they put a crime on the victim, who has already lost his voice. Such disgraceful behavior can never be tolerated.
Our lawsuit is expected to become a long-term battle. I would like to kindly ask you to keep watching over the process of the lawsuit in the future as well. I deeply appreciate your warm support and encouragement for our family.
Speech from the mother, Chie;
Ryo had only 3 months to live in NYC, but he valued each and every day. He sent emails and letters to us often, and we knew that he spent satisfying days in NYC from his letters. He always added thankful words to us.
Why did Ryo have to die? -Even two years since the accident, I don't know the answer.
I think the person who can't accept the fact of his sudden death the most, would be Ryo himself. When I feel his regret and sorrow, I think of that the best thing we can do is to clarify the truth of the accident.
Ryo loved NY, and he told us how the NYC was nice. NY warmly accepted him. We hope to eliminate the sorrow of losing irreplaceable family from NY.
I believe that life is precious to everyone, no matter how people are, no matter where they live, no matter what religion they believe.
I appreciate your cooperation.
After the parents' speech, Ryo's friend, Stefan Johnson, sang one of Ryo's favorite songs, "Moon on the water" for him. Stefan told us that he only knew Ryo for a short time, but they got along immediately and Ryo was like a brother to him.
At the end of the ceremony, Oyamada's attorney, Steve Vaccaro gave a strong speech to criticize NYPD's dastardly act.
They were driving recklessly, speeding in the residential area. They failed to investigate appropriately, hid the evidence and lied that they were on the emergency call and they had their lights and siren on. In addition, they set a protect order so that we, including family, won't have access to the evidences. I'm totally disappointed at the fact that the police are not intending to avoid such a tragedy from happening again.
This night, as we thought of Ryo, we also prayed for human justice.
At the ceremony, some Japanese people who learned about the accident on the news showed up. They share their thoughts that "this accident could happen to anyone." and "Ryo could be me." I hope we can keep expand such awareness in New York. We, Japanese or Asian, might not be united as strongly as the Black community, but this could happen to anyone no matter what your race is. He just happened to be a Japanese student, Ryo Oyamada. Once again, please imagine this happening to you or your family.
At the end of the ceremony, Oyamada's attorney, Steve Vaccaro gave a strong speech to criticize NYPD's dastardly act.
They were driving recklessly, speeding in the residential area. They failed to investigate appropriately, hid the evidence and lied that they were on the emergency call and they had their lights and siren on. In addition, they set a protect order so that we, including family, won't have access to the evidences. I'm totally disappointed at the fact that the police are not intending to avoid such a tragedy from happening again.
This night, as we thought of Ryo, we also prayed for human justice.
At the ceremony, some Japanese people who learned about the accident on the news showed up. They share their thoughts that "this accident could happen to anyone." and "Ryo could be me." I hope we can keep expand such awareness in New York. We, Japanese or Asian, might not be united as strongly as the Black community, but this could happen to anyone no matter what your race is. He just happened to be a Japanese student, Ryo Oyamada. Once again, please imagine this happening to you or your family.
#NoMoreTragedy