Mourners, community leaders and journalists gathered in front of the five granite pillars of the Guardians of the First Amendment Memorial in Annapolis Friday morning to remember the five Capital Gazette staff members killed in an attack on their newsroom six years ago.

The June 28, 2018, shooting, which claimed the lives of Gerald Fischman, Rob Hiaasen, John McNamara, Rebecca Smith and Wendi Winters, was the deadliest attack against American journalists. Though it’s considered one of the darkest days in Annapolis history, their loved ones carry on their memories.

Standing together on the sidewalk in front of the memorial, family and friends hugged one another in greeting. Some reminisced about the past and others caught up on the present.

“It’s obviously a difficult day, but there is something about seeing all these faces triumphing after such a tragedy,” said Maria Hiaasen, widow of Rob Hiaasen, after the brief ceremony.

Among those faces were several former Capital Gazette journalists and survivors, as well as family members who continue to honor their fallen loved ones. Many bowed their heads during a moment of silence.

“As time moves forward and our lives continue, we remain steadfast in our commitment to remember and honor them, not as victims but as the amazing individuals, coworkers, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and friends that they were,” said Marty Padden, director of advertising for the Capital Gazette. “Their physical presence may be gone, but their strength and legacy endure.”

Wreaths were placed at each pillar, sent from Gov. Wes Moore, Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman, the Caucus of African American Leaders, the City of Annapolis and the Capital Gazette.

Though the granite memorial dedicated to the five fallen staffers stands tall at the corner of Compromise and Newman streets, Annapolis is proposing a new dedication — a highway sign. Soon, the city will submit an application to the Maryland Department of Transportation to dedicate a portion of a road to Fischman, Hiaasen, McNamara, Smith and Winters.

During the morning ceremony, Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley remembered how the tragic moment brought the community together, recalling tributes in the weeks after the attack. On the Fourth of July that year, he said, journalists and others found the courage to march through the city, receiving a mile-long standing ovation.

“I know that the newspaper felt loved,” he said. “Thank you for sticking with this newspaper and supporting local journalism — it matters now more than ever.”