News from Chicago, IL

As evening descended on a day of vigils in remembrance of the first anniversary of the Tucson shootings and all victims of gun violence, people of peace gathered at First United Methodist Church at Chicago Temple for an evening candlelight vigil and remembrance. The event was hosted by the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence.
Joining the vigil were Congressmen Jesse Jackson, Jr. and Mike Quigley, both of Chicago, and both strong advocates for common-sense gun laws. Following a welcome and opening prayer from Rev. Wendy Witt of the host church, both Congressmen eloquently spoke of the ravages of gun violence throughout this country and our community, and both called for action. Congressman Jackson reflected on the return of his colleague, Comgresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, to the House floor for a key vote and as a show of strength.
The vigil then turned to remembering local victims and their families and calling on elected officials, community leaders and residents to stop the madness and work to end gun violence.
Sarita Villarreal shared the story of her brother, Antonio Marquez, killed in 2002 when he stopped to help a homeless person only blocks from his home. Two months later, his wife gave birth to their son who never had an opportunity to meet his dad.
Pam Bosely, who lost her son Terrill to senseless violence, shared the message of Elder Bernice King (daughter of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther, Jr. and Coretta Scott King) from an earlier sermon during which she stressed one’s needed to turn in their piece if they wanted real peace. What an inspiring message for us all.
After the last call to action by 24-year-old activist Camiella Williams, who talked about how wrong it is that someone so young should have buried 18 of her friends because of violence, the families, friends and participants at the vigil stood with candles aglow and spoke the names of their loved ones lost to or injured to gun violence. The pain of those loses was obvious to all but equally important was the hope and dedication on the lips of all that we MUST end this senseless gun violence now. What a truly uplifting experience for all.