Broward County Mayor Mark Bogen with Parkland and Coral Spring Mayors joined together to remember those who lost their lives and those who are still recovering as the one-year anniversary of the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School draws near.
At the Broward Commission meeting today, Mayor Bogen was joined by Parkland Mayor Christine Hunschofsky, Coral Springs Mayor Pro Tem Joy Carter and city officials to read the names of the victims and to pause for seventeen seconds of silence in memory of those who were murdered at the school shooting on February 14, 2018.
“In two days, it will be February 14th. Everyone can remember what happened at Marjory Stoneman Douglas on that date one year ago,” said Mayor Bogen, whose district includes parts of Coral Springs and northwest Broward cities adjacent to Parkland.
“It's hard for others to comprehend the depth of our loss. Thursday, we ask that everyone remember that long before they became victims, they were people. Happy people with families who loved them. Some respected educators, coaches and figures on the school campus. All of the victims were beloved sons and daughters, excellent students, neighbors, athletes, artists, dancers and musicians. They were ambitious and leaders with bright futures and a desire to make a difference in the world. If you knew any of these seventeen people, please try to recall the good times and maybe just maybe a smile will be able to break through our tears on February 14th,” said Commissioner Michael Udine, whose district includes Parkland and previously served as Parkland Mayor and a City Commissioner for thirteen years.
Commissioners also named February 12th, 2019 as Coral Springs Museum of Art, City of Coral Springs and City of Parkland Appreciation Day in Broward County. The proclamation recognizes the collaboration of the three entities who were chosen to receive a $1 million Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Art Challenge Grant. This grant will go toward creating five large scale public art projects centered around Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, gun violence and healing. The goal of the art projects is to help the community find comfort and heal. Proclamations were presented to Mayors Hunschofsky, Carter and Coral Springs Museum of Art Executive Director Julia B. Andrews.
“Please remember the victims who are still living. While their physical scars are starting to heal, the emotional trauma of the entire northwest Broward County is still there one year later. I ask everybody to keep them in their prayers,” said Udine.
Broward County will conduct 17 moments of silence on Thursday, February 14th. The Broward School Board, through a collaboration with local municipalities and communities, is following the lead of MSD High School by honoring those lost with a Day of Honor in Service and Love and is encouraging everyone to participate.
Not sure what you can do? Any act of service or love is welcomed. You can volunteer at an animal shelter, donate food for the hungry, organize a drive to collect clothing and toiletries for the homeless in our community, or host a toy drive. A moment of silence will be observed at 10:17AM. You'll find more at the Broward School's website.
No comments:
Post a Comment