By Curtis D. Tucker, Enid Buzz | Monday, June 13, 2016
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ENID, Okla. - In the wake of the mass shooting that occurred in Orlando, Florida over the weekend, local residents are coming together to show remembrance of the victims and also support of the local LGBTQ community. There are two events planned for this evening.
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A lone gunman opened fire in the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando targeting the LGBTQ community. The shooter took 50 innocent lives and left dozens of others injured. The gunman who carried out the attack — 29-year-old Omar Mateen — had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, a group also known as ISIS or ISIL, on a 911 call during a three-hour standoff with police after the shooting spree.
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The first event is a Walk of Hope and Remembrance. All people of loving hearts and compassionate spirits in Enid will join those across the country who have expressed their desire to transcend the tragedy of the killing and wounding and destruction in Orlando.
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To that end, there will be a walk around the downtown square at 5:30 pm this evening, Monday June 13th. All are welcome to join in this simple effort to take a local stand against venality, bigotry and hate. Organizers of this event are Carolyn McLemore and Lynne Bussell with the support of Commissioner Tammy Wilson, the Chief of Police and City Manager.
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Park next to Q-Spot, (Cherokee and Independence). Gather on the Plaza. Feel free to bring whatever signage you wish, but there will be NO WORDS OF HATE allowed at this gathering. The walk will begin at the Central National Bank Center Plaza and will end at the gazebo on the courthouse lawn with comments and prayers and thoughts.
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The second event will take place at the courthouse lawn gazebo tonight as well. Enid Stands Together will begin at 8:00 pm. There will be a candle-light vigil, a few spoken words, prayer, songs and holding space for each other. This is another opportunity for Enid to come together to hold each other in grief and prayer.
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Enid Stands Together is organized by Lewis Eggleston and is open to everyone. It starts later for those that cannot attend the earlier event. Tania Warnock will be leading the event in song.
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Stand With Orlando Events Planned
