Honoring the lives of those who became victims of Domestic Violence, and remembering their names, community members gathered on High Street last week in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The evening candlelight vigil was provided by and in support of the Battered Women’s Project.
The Purple Light Night, during which the tree located on the front lawn of Family Chiropractic, on High Street in Caribou, was lighted with purple lights,(the color symbolic of domestic violence awareness), allowed for a time to remember those who lost their lives to domestic violence and in recognition of those who are survivors.
While wooden purple ribbons lined High Street and candles illuminated those along the ceremony site, speakers took turns reading short verses depicting domestic violence, speaking for those who had lost their own voices.
Selections include; “Why Purple?”; “Autobiography”; “Remember My Name”and “My Rights.” Wendy Landes, representing the Caribou Chamber of Commerce, spoke to those in attendance a talented group of students from the Maine School of Science and Math performed a vocal selection,” I Will Survive,” to the musical score of “ Amazing Grace.” The soft voices from the group who joined in added to the chill in the air, as the candle flames flickered created shadows on the names of those fallen victim to domestic abuse.
As their names were read, State Trooper Todd Stetson lighted a candle in honor and in memory of each victim.
Following the tree lighting a candle light vigil walk took participants up High Street returning back to the ceremony site, hopefully causing citizens to realize that domestic violence is a real issue, one that needs to eradicated for everyone’s sake, Awareness of domestic violence is the first step, in a very long journey.
Throughout the month of October, Family Chiropractic will be the drop-off location for anyone wishing to donate items on the Caribou Battered Women’s Shelter’s Wish List. Drop-off times are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wish List items include: sandbox sand, a small shed for the back yard, toys, pack and play, alarm clocks, large toy box, towels/facecloths and pillows. Also; twin size sheets and comforters, toiletries, fans, toilet paper, paper towels, gas cards, diapers, first aid kits, dishes and hairdryers.
For more information regarding the Wish List call 493-0900.
