Hundreds gathered, including First Lady Michelle Obama, to pay their last respects to Hadiya Pendleton, a victim of gun violence, in Chicago Saturday.
The 15-year-old was shot dead at a South side park in Chicago. Her killing captured nationwide attention. She had just returned from performing in President Barack Obama's second-term inauguration in Washington, D.C., and was shot very near the President's local home, reported Chicago Defender.
Pendleton's friends described her as the girl who gave 'the most sincere hug,' reported ABC News. "There's no way we can put a man on the moon, but they can't figure this out," said Damon Stewart, the gun victim's godfather adding, "Don't make this about politics. This should hurt the hearts of every man."
CNN reported that President Barack Obama's handwritten note was published on the funeral program. "Dear Cleopatra and Nathaniel, Michelle and I just wanted you to know how heartbroken we are to have heard about Hadiya's passing.
"We know that no words from us can soothe the pain, but rest assured that we are praying for you, and that we will continue to work as hard as we can to end this senseless violence. God Bless, Barack Obama."
Vice President Joe Biden described Pendleton as "no ordinary child." "She was a child who had used social media, urging her friends to speak out - don't join gangs. And now she's gone."
Apart from the First Lady, the funeral was attended by other distinguished personalities such as Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel, education secretary Arne Duncan and White House senior adviser Valeri Jarrett.
