It was something you may not expect as the family of LaShanda Armstrong returned to the Hudson River waterfront. Our Elaina Athans has more on why they were there.

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NEWBURGH, N.Y. -- The family comes to the waterfront this afternoon for a memorial celebration. Wednesday, the youngest victim of this incident would have turned one.

With heavy hearts and hands filled with balloons, the family of Laianna Pierre come to place she was killed on the day she would have celebrated her first birthday.

Loved ones gathered for a memorial paying tribute to the child. The family spokesperson saying this event doesn't take away the pain, but makes them feel better.

"Celebrating one year. We was hoping to have a celebration with her but, we had to come down here and let the balloons off. That's all we can do," said Angela Gilliam, the aunt of LaShaunda Armstrong.

The birthday memorial coincidences with another somber event. After the family left the waterfront, they went to a private wake.

On Thursday, mother LaShaunda Armstrong will be buried. Her three children will be laid to rest the next Monday.

"I'll take care of my nephew Shaun and that's it. One day at a time," said Gilliam.

Services for LaShaunda will be held at the First Baptist Church in Spring Valley. There will be a wake in the morning and then she will be buried in the afternoon.

The father Jean Pierre is speaking out for first time since this incident happened. He said in a statement: "This has been a very devastating tragedy for all concerned, and I would like to thank everyone who has expressed their sympathy and support."