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Cherokee minister John Goodrich speaks at the Cherokee comfort ceremony and memorial service for victims of the I-40 bridge collapse.

TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation hosted a Cherokee comfort ceremony and memorial service for the victims of the I-40 bridge collapse, to pay tribute to the victims and give solace to their families.

The Cherokee comfort ceremony and memorial service was held at the Battle of Webbers Falls Park in Webbers Falls, just a short distance from the site of the I-40 bridge collapse.

Temperatures reached high into the 90’s, but that did not stop the crowd of nearly 200 people from forming to pay their respects to those who perished in the tragic event of May 26. Attendees could see the towering cranes looming in the distance, and the silhouette of the half of the I-40 bridge that remains standing, nearly a mile away.

"The Arkansas River, here in Webbers Falls, is Cherokee territory", said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. "We felt that we should do something to honor the victims and their families."

The Cherokee National Children’s Choir performed songs in the Cherokee language that have been used in the past to comfort the Cherokee people through their times of trial and tribulation.

The Cherokee National song of comfort, "Orphan Child", came across the Trail of Tears with the Cherokee people. Translated into English, a verse from the song says, "I hear a grieving voice from those who have lost their parents. Lord Jesus, comfort them because all children are beautiful in God's house."

The ceremony was packed with song and prayer, along with the dedication of a redbud tree.

"May their names be etched in our hearts forever", said Gil Silverbird, Cherokee tribal member, before reading the list of 14 names.

Chief Smith presented the victim’s family members with blankets, a Cherokee tradition, to honor their loved ones who perished in the bridge collapse.

"Thank you all so much", said Juanita Johnson, mother of James Johnson of Lavaca, Arkansas who, along with his wife Misty and daughter Shae, was killed in the collapse. “James loved the water, he would have been real happy knowing you all did this."

Following the ceremony, members of the Cherokee National Children's Choir gathered around Johnson to wait patiently for the chance to hug her one by one. Johnson welcomed the children’s affection as she sobbed quietly.

"We lost our little babies, so the little children touch my heart so much", Johnson said. "I'm just so glad you all did this."