“Rest in peace, rest in pride.” Those words by event organizer Candace Whitman were among the many somber yet hopeful sentiments spoken at last night’s candlelight vigil in downtown Galesburg.
Like many around the country, the ceremony was held in honor of the 49 killed and 53 injured in Sunday’s mass shooting at the gay Pulse Night Club in Orlando, Florida.
The names of those killed were read aloud and many of the more than 75 community members in attendance spoke.
Echoing what many mentioned, Whitman spoke of remembrance.
“Today, we honor those who did not let others define who they are,” Whitman said. “Today, we give respect to those who lived fully as themselves, and who were living fully as themselves that night in the club. We say to those who have been killed because of who they are–you did not die in vain.”
Donations were collected to be sent to the Human Rights Campaign and a “We are Orlando” banner was signed by many in attendance.
President Barack Obama made a trip to Orlando yesterday just hours before the Galesburg ceremony. He consoled families, laid a memorial wreath and called on legislators to strengthen gun control laws.
