Community Corner

South Orange Candlelight Vigil Drew 100 Locals

The Saturday evening event drew young and old.

A Saturday evening vigil at South Orange's Duck Pond drew nearly 100 locals. From infants to senior citizens, and including Village President Alex Torpey; South Orange Rescue Squad members; teachers; students from at least three district elementary schools,  South Orange and Maplewood Middle Schools, Columbia High School, and Seton Hall University; Jespy residents; and local business owners, the crowd gathered to mark the deaths of 's students and school staff.

The event was organized by a local volunteer who used MoveOn.org resources to contact residents.

Shortly after 5 p.m., locals gathered in a circle, lighting candles from a central flame. Members of the community spoke aloud, voicing sadness and anger. Many pledged their own efforts to prevent any such future tragedy. Others expressed admiration and gratitude to teachers who saved children's lives, even at the cost of their own.

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The vigil ended with a moment of silence.

Nationally, says MoveOn.org, Saturday saw more than 3,750 people attend more than 300 vigils across the United States.

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