FROM MUSKOKA TO MINNEAPOLIS WITH BIG CANADIAN LOVE TODAY, AS 50 GATHER TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR AMERICAN FRIENDS WHO DIED

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

GRAVENHURST — Julie Alexander was born in Minneapolis and Marjorie Hall studied and worked in the tormented city for five years.

“It’s a shame what’s going on there,” said Alexander who left after the Second World War before she and her late husband Bill eventually moved to Canada.

She was one of about 50 people who attended this afternoon’s candlelight peace vigil at Trinity United Church in solidarity of those killed last month by American government ICE officials.

“It’s beautiful city. I attended a family reunion there over Labour Day weekend. And I came here today because our pastor invited us. A beautiful gesture. Followed by her beautiful words.”

Julie Alexander cried as she spoke the crowd about growing up in Minneapolis. “It’s a shame what’s going on there … it’s a beautiful city.” PHOTOS Mark Clairmont MuskokaTODAY.com

It was from Muskoka to Minneapolis with big, warm Canadian love.

Pastor Carl-Ann Chapman offered warm words of peace, hope and love on a minus-6-degree afternoon, as bright sun shone in her face while bundled-up supporters lit candles and listened to the names of the most recent victims Renée Nicole Macklin Good and Alex Pretti others were read out.

The 30-minute memorial twice included minutes of silence in their memory.

And a short singing of a “Peace” song.

Minneapolis is about the same 45th parallel as Muskoka. But it’s not as near water.

However the warmth of supporters here had to be felt there.

Alexander and Hall got photos from today to share with friends and family.

Alexander said she still has her husband’s Greenberg family still living there.

About 50 people came out on a windy, frigid afternoon Sunday to show support for those killed by American law officials last month.
Pastor Carl-Ann Chapman shares candles with the few who didn’t bring their own.
The vigil offered both the Light and Hope with sun and positive people.
They lit candles and sange a peace song during the half-hour service.
Friends gathered round Bob Weekes as he shared his fire.
Lois Cooper shares a light with one of those attending and trying to keep them lit in the wind.
Dr. Dave Hillyard came bundled up. Even as the sun shone it was still cold.
A few others supporters orginally from the U.S., who were born there and grew up in the States but live in Muskoka now, were also on hand including Marjorie Hall and the Barlow family of Neil and Kim and their daughter.

They came, they sang about ‘peace’ and showed Canadian support.

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