With Milla Webster
A COMMUNITY still hurting from the loss of Mernda’s ultimate hero came together on Friday night to pause, mourn and reflect for Aidan Becker.
Aidan Becker died a hero. Coming to the aid of a 14-year-old schoolboy who was attacked by a group of youths, Becker was then allegedly punched, kicked and fatally stabbed by the group on Friday, March 6.
Since then, four teenage boys have been charged with murder and armed robbery.
Last Friday, an estimated 3000 people came together as the emotions overflowed for a shocked Mernda community, while the following day, the Bridge Inn Hotel held a fundraiser.
Mourners laid flowers and candles beside a photograph of Aidan at the station, while police and emergency service personnel also mourned alongside the public.
The footy jumpers of Mernda and Yarrambat – the two clubs he represented – were also on display, as was a jumper of his beloved North Melbourne Football Club.
Mother, Nathalie Becker, bravely spoke about her son, while also paying tribute to people who helped Aidan in his final moments and thanking the community for their wider support.
“We stand here tonight as a broken family, I don’t know how we are here, and I don’t know what tomorrow will look like. But I know my beautiful boy would’ve done it all again in a heartbeat, because that’s the boy he was. And the only reason we are here tonight, and not curled up in a ball somewhere, is because of each and every one of you,” she said.
“We’ve read your letters, we’ve read your comments, we see the flowers every night, and we thank you.
“We’ve been in Mernda a long time, but we don’t know a lot of people, this is overwhelming. And I’m so, so very thankful.
“I also wanted to thank Anthony, who helped try to save my boy’s life before the paramedics got there. Anthony, you are my hero. There was another gentleman, I’ll know you when I see you, because I’ll never forget your face and the shock, and his wife, and I thank you for trying.
“I thank you Anthony for telling my boy his family loved him, because those would’ve been the last words he heard. So, from me to all the families, thank you for your kindness.”
Fellow family member, Emad, urged the public to not forget Aidan’s actions of heroism.
“Tonight we stand here with broken hearts, Aidan was someone’s son, someone’s friends, someone who was deeply loved. A life like his should’ve never been taken too soon,” he said.
“We stand here for Aidan, for his family, and to promise that his name and his life would never be forgotten. When we see the amount of people here it makes my heart warm.
“As a father of two teenagers, I need to remind them that there are so many good people left in the community, it gives me faith for our children. Rest in peace Aidan, a real hero.”
Community organiser Farrell Paton spoke to Aidan’s courage following a minute’s silence: “Aidan showed a level of courage and selflessness that will not be forgotten. The way he lived, the way he cared for others and the way he stepped forward when someone needed help are a part of the legacy he leaves behind.
“To Aidan’s family, and to all his loved ones and friends, this community stands beside you, we honour Aidan with you, and we hold you in our hearts. and to everyone who came, we thank you. Your presence shows that Aidan’s life mattered deeply, and that his memory will continue to live on in this community.”