St. Louis (KTVI) – They are the people who see violence first hand, and are often consoling the victims.  Sunday a group of funeral directors from around the country rallied for peace in St. Louis.  They drove hearses flanked by motorcycle groups through the streets of St. Louis.

“Our race is being diminished by violence and it’s senseless,” said William C. Harris, Jr.  He is president of the Missouri State Funeral Directors.  He also operates the Williams C. Harris Funeral Home at 9825 Halls Ferry Road.

The National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association is holding its convention in St. Louis this week.  Harris believes people should take notice that an industry profiting from death is speaking out against the violence.

“Maybe it will be wakeup call,” said Harris.

Ted Felder operates Ted’s Affordable Mortuary in Los Angeles.  He says gangs in his communities are trying to kill 100 people in 100 days.

“We’re tired of dealing with these types of situations with families,” said Felder.  “We want to see it stopped.”

Arthur Cole participated in the rally and hopes the row of hearses will convince at least one person to avoid a life of violence.

“There’s no reason we should be dying this early in Iife,” said Cole.

Harris said, “We are tired of burying our children.”  ​