GREENFIELD — After a gunman killed dozens of bystanders in an Orlando gay club, the Franklin County community rallied together to pay their respects and mourn those who lost their lives in the shooting early Sunday morning.
An impromptu vigil came together on the Greenfield commons Sunday night for both the local LGBT community and their allies to join together in a moment of reflection.
Residents formed a circle to pray and say a few words about the tragedy. The American flag blew in the wind above the commons as the vigil-goers lit candles and shared a moment of silence. The group joined together in singing “We Shall Overcome.”
Greenfield Councilor Karen Renaud organized the vigil and spread the word through social media. When she heard about the shooting, she knew that she had to provide a space for people to share their emotions.
“It’s hard to deal with these tragic events in isolation,” she said.
The vigil brought together about 20 people. One woman buried her face, wet with tears, in her hand. Another woman stood with a sign that read in bold, black letters “No More Assault Guns.” A few people stood silently, just listening in support, while others took turns speaking about the struggle for equality, the prevalence of mass shootings and the battle to end hate crimes.
“I am also just heartbroken,” said Lev Ben-Ezra. “This is hitting closer to home as a queer person.”
The vigil-goers also contemplated other mass shootings, like the terrorist attack in San Bernardino, the shooting that killed worshippers at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin and the attack at a Pennsylvania Amish schoolhouse.
Residents spoke about both the struggle against homophobia and the increasing prevalence of mass shootings.
“It is happening everywhere. There is no place that is safe,” said Julie Payne Britton, a Greenfield resident and member of the LGBT community.
“It’s kind of scary, but hopefully it was an isolated incident,” said Greenfield resident Liz Muella.
“I’d like to think that love will conquer hate,” said Steven Goldsher, owner of the Arts Block.
Heather Blais of St. James Church in Greenfield led the group in prayer. “Let our light burn, even when the wind tries to blow it out,” she said.