City of Waukesha urges community to light homes blue 'to show unity and to stand with those injured' after parade tragedy
City of Waukesha leaders are urging community members to light a blue light outside of their homes "to show unity and to stand with those injured" following last week's Christmas Parade tragedy.
On Sunday, people were invited to virtually join Mayor Shawn Reilly and city council members through a livestream on the city's Facebook page.
It began with 62 seconds of silence at 4:39 p.m. for those who were injured when a driver plowed his SUV through the parade, killing six and injuring at least 62.
"We as a community have endured suffering," Reilly said. "We know that our suffering will never completely end. We will not despair, however. From the very first moment, our community has come together to help those suffering and we will continue to do so."
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Today through the holidays, the city is encouraging people "to show unity and to stand with those injured with a simple act: Unite with a blue light," Reilly said.
Here's where to get a blue light bulb for free, while supplies last, according to the city's website:
Mary Jane’s: 335 W. Main St.
Burlap and Lace Marketplace: 272 W. Main St.
Almont Gallery: 342 W. Main St.
Martha Merrell Books and Toys: 231 W. Main St.
Village Collective: 808 N. Grand Ave.
Paws for a Moment Pet Spa and Boutique: 316 South St.
River’s End Gallery: 380 W. Main St.
City council members have also been given a supply to hand out in their neighborhoods.
People are asked to take one blue light bulb per home since supplies are limited, the website said.
More blue lights will be arriving next week. Updates will be posted on the city's social media channels.
"Our response during the past week and in the future will show that those who care vastly outnumber those who do not, and that evil will not triumph," Reilly said. "We will grieve as a community and we will heal as a community."
Contact Hannah Kirby at hannah.kirby@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HannahHopeKirby.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Waukesha to be lit blue to support those injured in Christmas parade
