Today marks the 17-year anniversary of the Station Nightclub fire that left lasting scars on numerous families and the state of Rhode Island.
The Feb. 20, 2003 fire claimed the lives of 100 people and injured more than 200 others after pyrotechnics sparked the massive blaze during a Great White concert.
A memorial park now occupies the space on Cowesett Avenue where the club once stood, a place where friends and families of the victims, along with survivors, go to remember those lost.
It was completed in May 2017 and dedicated to those impacted by the fire.
Dave Kane, the father of the youngest victim, Nicholas O’Neill, says the tragedy feels like it just happened just yesterday.
“It’s important for people to remember today though not just because the loved ones who have passed or were injured. This was supposed to be a monument to remind state officials, local officials, elected officials what happens when you don’t do your job. People die,” Kane said.