The Aurora, Colorado movie theater where 12 people were killed in a shooting rampage last July reopens with a private "night of remembrance" ceremony.

AURORA, COLORADO, UNITED STATES (JANUARY 17, 2013) (NBC) -  The Aurora, Colorado movie theater where 12 people were killed in a shooting rampage last July reopened on Thursday (January 17), with a private "night of remembrance" ceremony.

Hogan emphasized that Aurora would overcome the tragedy and continue to move forward.

"But as I think about everyone here tonight, I see resilience, I see strength, I see heroes, I see healing and I see hope. We as a community have not been defeated. We are a community of survivors and we are a community that is united in our recovery," Hogan said at the reopening ceremony.

His sentiments were echoed by Hickenlooper, who assured Aurora of the state ofColorado's support.

"For everyone here I think I speak for the entire state, we remain here for you, for the entire community of Aurora, I think I can say Colorado is with you," Hickenlooper said.

After the reopening ceremony, the theater plans to offer free movie passes to the public from Friday (January 18) through Sunday (January 20). The theater will then close and reopen for good on January 25.