KILLEEN, Texas (KWTX) - As the Fort Hood shooter's execution date nears, the Killeen community is refusing to let his name overpower the memories of the fallen 17 years after the tragedy.

Gathered at the Fort Hood Memorial in Killeen with candles, flowers, and flags in hand, the local community stood united for a candlelight vigil in solemn tribute.

Though the convicted shooter Nidal Hasan's scheduled execution is just weeks away, councilwoman Debbie Nash-King insists the spotlight belongs on those whose lives were taken."Today was significant to me because there will be an execution on December 3rd, and everyone will be focused on what's on Fort Hood... but right here in the city of Killeen, we have a memorial. And November 5th, we honor them," she said.