Chatham, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW ) – With flashes of lighting in the distance hundreds gathered at Glenwood High School’s Titan Field on Wednesday evening to remember the four children killed and 6 others injured in a tragic vehicle incident at a Chatham after-school center.

The stands were illuminated by hundreds of electric candles and cell phones lit in honor of absent friends.

Chatham Village President Dave Kimsey spoke to the crowd about the meaning of CHATHAM STRONG. He said it means reaching out to help others who are also hurting and perhaps find their own healing in doing so. He said it also means being strong enough to admit when we need help ourselves and being strong enough to ask for it.

He also said being Chatham Strong means it’s OK to cry but it’s also OK to smile.

Ball-Chatham School Superintendent, Becca Lamon, said there were many unsung heroes who stepped forward during the emergency. That includes first responders and area churches and also a group of doctors and nurses who appeared just when they were needed most.

Chatham Police officer, David Leach, was one of the first on the scene and he said what he saw brought him to tears but he said the courage and empathy of those who came to help inspired him greatly. He said the eyes of the world are on Chatham right now and people are waiting to see how they handle the tragedy.

He encouraged young people to channel their grief into positive actions and not turn to drugs or alcohol to mask their pain.