BAILEY, Colo. -- Thousands gather on a beautiful Saturday morning in Bailey to say goodbye to Emily Keyes, the 16-year-old Platte Canyon High School junior killed by a gunman on Wednesday.

"Emily was a part of my life and a part of all of your lives and I know that. And that part was torn away and stolen this Wednesday but part of the us that can never be torn away and never be stolen is the love and strength that keeps us together and I thank you for being here today on behalf of my sister," said Casey Keyes, Emily's twin brother.

The crowd gave Casey a standing ovation and also stood on their feet once again as Emily's father led the Park County sheriff to the podium and each man hugged the other and cried.

"This is the hardest thing that I'll ever face. And I want the Keyes family to know if I could trade places with Emily, I'd do it in a heartbeat. That wasn't supposed to happen," Wegener said, his voice shaking. "Going into a school wasn't supposed to happen. And I know that every law enforcement officer that was there that day did everything they could. This has been my home for a long time ... Emily will be with me in my heart forever. I'll live with what happened. I'll live with my decision and it is mine. God bless you all."

Many of those attended wore a light pink ribbon that read "Random acts of kindess for Emily,"

"Let's take the random act that has occurred and turn it to random acts of kindess," Louis Gonzales, Emily's uncle, urged.

Her memorial service was held outside, where nearly 2,000 classmates and community members sat surrounded by golden trees at the foot of Colorado's majestic mountains.

"I can't write or speak enough words to do Emily justice," said Jay Vonesh, the youth pastor at Platte Canyon Community Church. "Emily, like many teenagers I know, lived fearless."

"If you are carrying any guilt for whatever reason, forget it. Because you couldn't have done any more. That man had a gun. And even though he disrupted what we've lived so comfortably to have, he cannot disrupt our lives because we have Emily as a legacy. And we have Emily on the other side, who will do everything that she can to keep us winning and competing and living, and loving life to the fullest extent," said Ruth Barth, Emily's debate team advisor.

The service ended with the release of white doves.

There was a community vigil Friday night where neighbors, friends, and families came together at the Crow Hill Bible Church and this weekend there are several events in Bailey bringing the community together. On Sunday there will be an event called "An Evening of Healing" where organizers say the community can come together and share their thoughts. The event is also at the National Farmers Union Education Center, with the Bon Fire and music starting at 6 p.m.

Keyes was a very active teenager who grew up in Bailey. She was remembered as a girl who was loved by everyone who came into contact with her. Many folks met her as they dined at the Cutthroat Cafe in Bailey where she worked part-time waiting tables.

Emily was involved in speech and track and played volleyball at school. Her twin brother, Casey, is also a student at Platte Canyon High School. He was away from campus last Wednesday on a class field trip.

If you would like to help, donations can be made to the "I Love U guys" Emily Keyes Memorial Fund at any Wells Fargo or Citywide banks

"I Luv U Guys" was the last text message Emily sent her parents. It was sent 90 minutes before she was shot to death by the man who had held her and five other girls hostage for nearly four hours.

If you're having a tough time dealing with this tragedy and need to talk to someone, the family, the town and law enforcement have set up a community crisis hotline 303-838-8181.

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