BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- It was the single worst tragedy in Binghamton's history.

In April of 2009, a gunman opened fire at the American Civic Association, killing 13 people and wounding several others.

Years later, the widower of one of the victims worked with other family members to build a memorial in their honor.

"I think the community is very proud of what we did there, both as a remembrance of the people we lost and also a statement about the kind of community we live in," said David Marsland, ACA Memorial Project Manager.

That same community was then left asking questions when the birds that once sat at the park were removed.

David Marsland, the memorial's project manager, says one of the birds had broken a wing.

Just before he was set to swap it out, another was found with structural damage.

"We were going to just swap one out but we decided to take the opportunity since we had everybody on site to pull them and just do a little refurbishing before the spring," said Marsland

April 3rd of next year will mark 10 years since that tragic day, but as time goes on, Marsland hopes the community will continue to remember his wife, and the 12 others who had their lives cut short.

"Everybody in the community was affected by what happened that day, and it gave so many the opportunity to do something positive in the light of such evil and so we think this is the appropriate thing to do now,” said Marsland.

Marsland is now working to set up a trust fund and community foundation for the park, to continue making improvements throughout the years.

"I always wanted to do something like this but after we built the park, I was actually a little bit burned out so it took me a while to get back to the point where I said I think I'll approach this again," said Marsland.

Marsland expects the birds to return to their perches by February.

You can support Marsland in his mission by visiting their GoFund Me page.