WARSAW — One hundred and twenty people gathered around candlelight at Central Park tonight, Nov. 26 to honor the memory of young Adalin Stamper. The message was not of hate and sadness, but instead peace and love.

Two-year-old Adalin Stamper was murdered on Nov. 10. Christopher Grimmett, Adalin’s mother’s boyfriend, admitted to murdering the child.

Josie Ryan, who planned the vigil, began the event with a prayer.

“We are going to keep this positive this evening, bring peace. Let us come together this evening to bring peace. Peace to the soul of Adalin, peace to hearts of her parents and family. bring peace to the police officers still working this case and the things they have seen. To everybody in this community who has been touched or hurt by this tragedy. May our hearts, our thoughts, and prayers go out to this family as they grieve for an angel who they lost well before her time.”

Friends and family were welcomed to share their memories of Adalin as photos of the child were passed around. Loving phrases such as, “She was like a little ray of sunshine when it was cloudy out,” and “I always loved the way her blue eyes lit up,” were shouted out into the somber silence.

Adalin’s grandfather had a few words of thanks to share with the crowd.

“I want to thank each and everyone of you who is here. The community has been outstanding, the generosity and kindness,” he continued. “That little girl was two years old and all she knew was young. In Adalin’s spirit I think she would want us to spread the love, and that’s what everyone has done.”

Katie Stamper, mother of Adalin addressed the crowd through tears.

“I would just like to say thank you to everyone who is here and the whole community for coming together for our family so well,” she said. “It means the world to me and my Ady-bear would be so happy to see all these people come together for her.”

The candlelight vigil ended as friends and families passed around the photos of Adalin and sang a loving rendition of “You Are My Sunshine.”

The smiles outweighed the tears tonight as friends and family remembered the young doe-eyed child, Adalin Stamper.

Friends, family and the community have another chance to honor the memory of Adalin Stamper on Dec. 3. The Warsaw American Legion Post #49 is sponsoring a benefit for the family. More details about the event are available on the Facebook page.