In light of the deadly and hateful events that transpired in Charlottesville, Virginia, last weekend, about 30 Kirkland residents rallied for peace and love Monday afternoon at the corner of Third Street and Central Way in downtown.
The Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church of Kirkland organized the event, bringing dozens of signs bearing peace and love.
Rev. Jim VanderWeele said the rally was to show support for those fighting for justice, equality and compassion for all people.
He said the events in Charlottesville — referring to the “Unite the Right” rally of white nationalists and other right-wing groups — were “quite obviously” motivated by hate.
The “Unite the Right” rally is believed to be the largest group of white nationalists to come together in a decade, according to the Associated Press. During the rally, peaceful protesters carrying signs of “Black Lives Matter” and “love” were marching in downtown Charlottesville when a silver Dodge Challenger barreled through the crowds, killing Heather Heyer, 32, and injuring dozens of others Aug. 12.
Later that day, two Virginia State Patrol troopers were killed in a helicopter crash while assisting with public safety resources in Charlottesville.
In light of the events that left three dead and dozens of others injured, VanderWeele said he wanted to represent the spirit of compassion and humanity.
The gathering was also to remember those who had been hurt or killed over the weekend.
Maia Lacher of Kirkland found out about the downtown Kirkland rally on Facebook. She held signs that said “peace” and “respect.”
She thought it was important for “peace-loving people” to take a stand.
She wanted to show that people spouting hate is not OK. She pointed to a phrase that said, “All it takes for evil to win is for good people to say nothing.”
“I’m out here saying something,” she said.
About 30 Kirkland residents rallied for peace and love in downtown Monday in light of the deadly events that occurred in Charlottesville over the weekend. Megan Campbell/Kirkland Reporter
Residents waved and received honks from passing cars as they showed signs of love and peace in downtown Kirkland Monday. Megan Campbell/Kirkland Reporter
