Anchorage Community Members Join Nationwide Vigil in Coordination with Over 300 Events Across the Country

Anchorage, AK: In case you missed it, yesterday Stand UP Alaska, The Alaska Center and community organizers held a candlelight vigil at the Loussac Library. The event took place on the one-year anniversary of the violent insurrection at the nation’s capital on January 6th. The vigil was organized in coordination with over 300 events across the nation to give community members a moment of reflection and silence. 

The vigil also served as a starting point to remind people of the continued threats upon democracy in our own communities and ask that leadership pass policies that protect voting rights and ensure the violent attack of democracy we say on January 6, 2021, is never repeated again.

At 5:30 pm a gathering of people sipped hot beverages and held candles around the flagpole at the Loussac Library in the -10 degree weather. Participants stood around the circle of candles and took turns sharing why democracy mattered to them. From mothers to elected officials to retired service members each story was personal and powerful. “I am a recently retired Air Force officer with 24 years of service. I’ve been deployed to Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan in defense of my country. It was hard many times but it was always worth it because the unique democracy that America has is a beacon to the entire world.” Major Felisa Wilson, US Air Force (Retired) shared why she came out in the cold. “It means a great deal to those who are oppressed in corrupt countries where the citizens have no power, yet, to see America with our steadfast commitment to democracy and the peaceful transfer of power. We as Americans and Alaskans should be united in the shared belief in our democracy and the promise that it holds for our future.”

Polly Carr, Executive Director of The Alaska Center explained her commitment to the vigil,  “A true democracy is one in which all feel safe, respected, and able to participate. On this day, we thank and remember those who stood up for democracy. We stand in solidarity in asking our leaders to support the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, the Freedom to Vote Act, and the Protecting Our Democracy Act. Here at home, we renew our commitment to protect Alaskans’ voting rights, access, and security.” 

Stand UP Alaska asked participants to light a candle with a hope and a promise–Hope for our amazing democracy and a Promise to stand up for it.

With the temperatures dropping, the presence of the few dozen participants was a powerful testament to this community’s commitment to a safe and fair democracy.

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