Penn ACTION held candlreight vigils in two parts of Pennsylvania to pay our respets to Congresswoman Giffords and those who lost their lives in Arizona.
Members of Northeast Pennsylvania Citizens in Action held a candlelight vigil Today, Tuesday, January 11th at 5:00pm at Courthouse Square, Scranton to honor and remember the victims of the tragic shooting that took place in Tucson, AZ on Saturday, January 8, 2011. The vigil took place on the corner of North Washington Avenue and Spruce Street Scranton to honor an
d remember the victims of the tragic shooting that took place in Tucson, AZ on Saturday, January 8, 2011.
I think its important that residents in Northeastern Pennsylvania have an opportunity to come together and pray for all of those affected by this terrible tragedy,” said Ed Farrell, Citizens In Action member. “Whether it happened 25 or 2,500 miles away, it still hits home and reminds us that we’re all affected by these terrible events. On behalf of our group, we want to extend our sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who were injured and killed and we hope that positive steps can be taken to prevent these unconscionable acts for taking place again.” The Scranton Times covered the event.
On Thursday, January 13th Penn ACTION joined with over 25 members of the community for a candle light vigil for those who lost their lives during the tragedies in Arizona on January 8th. It was only appropriate for the candle light vigil to take place in LOVE Park – in the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia.
On this blistery evening, Marc Stier, Executive Director of Penn ACTION, led the vigil. “We are taking this moment out of lives not for analysis or to engage in dispute about why this shooting took place, let alone to debate broader issues of politics and public policy. We are here because we believe that underlying all that divides in America is a common core of beliefs—in the sanctity of human life, and in the process of discussion and debate that is central to life in a democracy,” said Marc. Throughout Marc’s speech, people nodded in agreement as this is a time to put aside partisan politics and focus on working together as neighbors, listening to each other, not talking at each other.
After a moment of silence and reflection, everyone started to sing “This Little Light of Mine.” Despite such frigid conditions, spirits were high – and people left with a renewed purpose.