Community members, led by Plymouth Congregational Church’s “Luna” puppet, take part in the 40th annual Homeless Memorial March in Minneapolis Thursday. (Aaron Lavinsky/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
After returning to the church from the march, attendees took turns placing their signs with the names of people who died at the altar with hundreds of candles. They listened while speakers including Rev. DeWayne Davis, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Simpson program manager Mary Gallini and others. Gov. Tim Walz did not attend, but Flanagan attended on his behalf to present an official proclamation of Dec. 12 being known as “Minnesota Homeless Memorial Day.”
Some speakers such as Cathy ten Broeke, assistant commissioner of the Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness, said they hope the memorial won’t be necessary in the future if there is work done to end homelessness.
“They are all of our relatives, and I hope that we recommit ourselves tonight to the work to ensure that we no longer have to have a memorial service remembering any one of our relatives experiencing homelessness when they die,” she said.
Tim Vo, a resident with Simpson Housing Services, lights candles representing homeless people who have recently died during the 40th Homeless Memorial March and service Thursday. (Aaron Lavinsky/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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