Hundreds join in march for Minnehaha Academy

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - Hundreds of people gathered at Minnehaha Academy Tuesday for a unity march, nearly two weeks after a deadly explosion killed two staff members and injured many more.

Students, parents and staff walked more than a mile from the scene of the explosion at the Upper Campus to a waiting celebration at the Lower Campus. School. Officials said the purpose of the event was to remember the lives lost and start the process of moving forward.

Receptionist Ruth Berg, 47, and custodian John Carlson, 81, were killed in the blast.

“This is what community is all about and this is the strength of community coming together,” said Minneapolis Police Officer Dean Milner. Milner was one of the first officers to the scene Aug. 2, and was welcomed  back with hugs and thanks Tuesday.

For the first time in two weeks, the flag was raised to full staff, and light-hearted fun filled the school’s lawn.

“We’re going to stick together," one student said. "All adversities that push us, we’re going to push right back."

A source told Fox 9 Tuesday that Brown College in Mendota Heights will be the Upper School's temporary home School for the 2017-2018 school year, with Minnehaha Academy President Donna Harris telling parents in an email that the school plans to have a signed lease by Thursday.

School leaders are also planning to use pods for administrative staff offices, according to the email.