The tragedy of local gun violence will be starkly evident in a Memorial to the Lost at 11 a.m. on Sept. 18 at the Medford Friends (Quaker) Meeting located at 14 Union St. where rows of name-bearing tee shirts bear witness to gun violence deaths in South Jersey counties for 2015 and 2016.
Ongoing research shows South Jersey numbers are close to 90 and rising daily. During the brief dedication, a volunteer will stand with each mounted shirt and say the name of each victim represented. Following the dedication, attenders and participants will share coffee and refreshments. All are welcome.
The Memorial to the Lost is an ongoing project of Heeding God’s Call to End Gun Violence (HGC), a Philadelphia-based movement that also conducts murder site vigils, gun shop demonstrations and peace programs. Medford Quakers are the first faith group to mount the display in South Jersey.
“We are thrilled that Medford Friends Meeting will host the first South Jersey installation of our Memorial to the Lost,” said Bryan Miller, executive director of faith-based HGC. “The Memorial graphically illustrates the real toll of gun violence, while honoring those killed. And, it inspires people and bodies of faith to become active in working to diminish the carnage.” Miller is also well known as the former executive director of Cease Fire, New Jersey.
The outdoor Memorial can be visited Sunday, Sept. 18 through Tuesday, Sept. 30. Volunteers at the event will be creating and mounting the display on Sept. 17. The memorial is expected to travel to other Quaker meetings, churches and faith groups in the area in subsequent weeks.
According to Linda Matlack, Medford site coordinator, faith groups wishing to continue the journey of the Memorial through South Jersey are encouraged to phone (609) 953–1866 for more information or email [email protected].
Information about HGC is available on the website www.heedinggodscall.org. The Medford Religious Society of Friends has been an active Quaker Meeting since it’s founding in 1759. Visit www.medfordfriendsmeeting.org.
