Under white tents on the grassy lawn of Pinelake Health and Rehabilitation Center in Carthage, hundreds came to a memorial service for seven residents and one nurse who died there three weeks ago.

A simple programme listed the order of service, but the only names to be found in it were those of the deceased.

Pinelake residents Lillian Dunn, 89; Tessie Garner, 75; John Goldston, 78; Bessie Hedrick, 78; Margaret Johnson, 89; Louise De Kler, 98; and Jesse Musser, 88; and nurse Jerry Avant, 39, died Sunday morning, March 29, when a shotgun firing gunman ranged through the center.

Robert Stewart is in Central Prison indicted on eight counts of murder, two of attempted murder and other charges.

Officials, families, Pinelake staff and emergency service workers came to remember the eight and to pay tribute to those who responded that day and came to help. A special award was presented to a Carthage police officer, Cpl. Justin Garner, who is credited with saving many lives at the risk of his own when he stopped the killing after facing Stewart in a hallway gun battle that left both men wounded.

Gov. Beverley Perdue made a special trip to join state Sen. Harris Blake, N.C. Representative Jamie Boles and other officials for the ceremony. She said she would make no speech, but came to represent the love of all North Carolinians.

It was a simple service that began as a soft rain was falling and ended in sunshine with a reception and meal served by the Pinelake kitchen for all attending.

The familiar strains of "Amazing Grace" sung by Brian Rainbow were folowed by scripture readings from Romans and the 23rd Psalm. Carthage Police Chaplain Tom Herndon offered an opening prayer.

"Today is the day that we have returned to the place where we all have suffered," Herndon said. "I thank you especially Lord, for walking that day each step of the way with Officer Justin Garner and how you spared his life in order to save other lives. Each one present today has returned here to this place to tell the world that even though we are still hurting -- we have not been defeated."

He gave thanks "for all the ministers, counselors, mental health people, and for the law enforcement personnel " who helped that day and since.

Pinelake's director Bernard Bryant also thanked all who offered support.

"The outpouring of love and comfort was nothing more than miraculous," Bryant said. "I would like to bring to the stage someone who showed throughout this absolute, amazing bravery. I would like to present a plaque to officer Justin Garner."

Applause welcomed Garner to the platform where one of the residents, Bill Stutts, himself a former Robbins policeman, presented the award.

"It has been my honor and privilege today to meet this young man for the first time," Stutts said. "I knew his family, but he is one fine specimen. I'll say one thing: You have to have lived in that position to appreciate this man. He stood up for us. Some of us wouldn't have been here today if it hadn't have been for him."

Garner, who had been sitting with his wife, Stephanie, and the governor beside the stage, came up to shake Stutts' hand and accept the plaque.

"Justin, we want you to accept this with our gracious love," Stutts said. "We love you, and thank you, son."