Words of inspiration, hope, and music, as Nova Scotia Remembered.
People around the world tuned in to the virtual vigil on Friday night, in tribute of 22 lives tragically gone too soon.
It was an emotional 90-minute vigil, musicians, dignitaries, actors, residents and other personalities expressing their love for Nova Scotia through song, poetry and inspiring words.
Canadian Author Sheree Fitch put pen to paper after hearing about the horrific incident, writing a Poem called “Because We Love, We Cry” She recited the poem during the vigil.
April 20, 2020.Because We Love, We Cry. Sometimes there is no sense to things my child Sometimes there is no…
Posted by Sheree Fitch Gilles Plante on Monday, April 20, 2020
Actor Jonathan Torrens has lived in Colchester County for the past 12 years, “Even though we can’t pretend to understand the pain you are in, we are here to try and find a way to try help shoulder some of the burden of this grief. The people of these communities want you to know watching from all over the world that they feel your love and support. In fact, it is what is holding them up. So thank you for that.”
The vigil brought allowed everyone to be together virtually, at a time of physical distancing due to COVID-19.
Natalie MacMaster spoke words of support and performed a song inspired by one of the victims, 17-year-old Emily Tuck, “The country is with you, in spirit, in music and in love. We all love you and I love you and I thank you for all of the gifts you have given to me over all of the years. You are a strong bunch and you’ll stay strong.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed to everyone who lost a loved one, that Canada is mourning with them,” The communities that are grieving, we are with you, you are not alone. There are no words to describe your pain. No words that can bring back those that left us too soon. This senseless act of violence happened in places where home isn’t just a name, it’s a feeling. That feeling of knowing friends and family are just around the corner if you need anything. That feeling of growing up with people who have known you, your whole life. Right now, to all Canadians, it feels like we knew the people we just lost.”
Others in the Nova Scotia Remembers vigil include the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia Arthur J. Leblanc, Premier Stephen McNeil, George Canyon, MP Leonore Zann, Matt Minglewood, Nova Scotia Deputy Premier Karen Lynn Casey, JP Cormier, The Stanfields, Sidney Crosby, and Heather Rankin.
On the Colchester–Supporting Our Communities Facebook page, thousands who don’t even know the victims, tuned in to the vigil. Their posts reflect offers of a shoulder to lean on, a hand to hold, or an ear to listen to ensure those who are suffering know they are not alone.
Co-Organizer Tiffany Ward posted her thanks on the page after the vigil, “From an idea that grew out of helplessness – the desperate desire to just do something in the face of the most unimaginable tragedy – grew this beautiful tribute – this wonderful work of love. We are amazed by the outpouring of love, support and caring that we are witnessing tonight. We, the organizers of #NovaScotiaRemembers want to thank each and every one of you for joining us to pay tribute to those who lost their lives and helping us to show those who have lost so much that even though we cannot be together, they are not alone.”
She asks that you visit www.heartcolchester.ca to support the families of this tragedy by contributing to the Red Cross Stronger Together Fund or to individual family fundraising efforts.
