JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Family and friends of TraDarius Alexander gathered at Memorial Park in Jacksonville to honor his memory.
The 18-year-old was shot and killed near a bus stop on the Westside six years ago Sunday.
The vigil had banners and bracelets with the phrase "Forever 18." His mother says Alexander was very excited to turn 18 and start his adult life.
Alexander would've been 24 years old by now, and his mother says he'd probably still be working with his brother laying concrete - a job he loved.
"This year for some reason, it was actually harder," said Ralaunda Bray, Alexander's mother. "I had a lot of breakdowns. I wanted to just give up. I said, 'I have to do this for my baby.' I have to honor him and keep his memory alive. I thank God for all the strength to pull this off today."
Alexander's birthday is in January, and his mom is already planning another vigil for him then.