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Candlelight Vigil calls for peace and unity after 9/11 attacks

KBIA

Central Missourians gathered outside the Boone County courthouse Tuesday night to remember the thousands of victims who lost their lives in the September 11 attacks in 2001.

Mid-Missouri Peaceworks and the Islamic Center of Central Missouri collaborated to put on the event that called for peace and unity. Ruth Schaefer, coordinator of the event, says the candlelight vigil drew about 100 participants, many of whom are involved in local peace organizations.

Attendees heard from speakers Reverend Maureen Dickman of Rockbridge Christian Church and Dr. Rashed Nizam of the Islamic Center. Both called for the audience to continue protesting both wars. And also to supporting victims of September 11 and the subsequent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Schaefer said she found both event speakers inspiring.

“Reverend Dickmann and Dr. Nizam, I think they hit on precisely the points to be addressed," Schaefer says." "I think Dr. Nizam’s address has particular relevance because he is Muslim.”

Schaefer said despite the lower attendance, the night was a success.

“I think it was a success to just be with each other, see each other’s faces, hold each other’s hands and I think," Schaefer says. "I just think that was a good thing to do.”

This was the twelfth annual candlelight vigil. The first vigil was held in Peace Park on September 11, 2001.