On Saturday night August 31st the Malden community and beyond showed up and showed up big at the annual vigil to remember those lost to substance use disorder.

Through the collaborative efforts of the City of Malden, Malden Overcoming Addiction, and the Bridge Recovery Center (along with countless volunteer's) a moving evening of tributes, memorials, and solemn walks took place, as Malden joined others around the world in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day.

International Overdose Awareness Day is held on August 31 every year and according to their website “is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind.”

The universal theme for this year was “Together we can”, “highlighting the power of our community when we all stand together.” Those in attendance at Malden’s vigil wore purple shirts with the Together We Can hashtag on the back. A sea of purple walked from the steps of Malden High School’s Jenkins Building to the high school gallery for the ceremony.

At the conclusion the crowd walked from the high school to City Hall where they stood under the Pleasant Street bridge which had been illuminated in purple; a remarkable sight.

Malden Warming Center Director and Opioid Task Force Member Gerry Whetstone opened the event with prayer. Whetstone is the pastor at the First Church of the Nazarene in Malden and a longtime MOA supporter. He was followed with remarks from ardent supporters Mayor Gary Christenson and Senator Jason Lewis who have steadfastly committed to supporting the recovery efforts of the entire Malden community for many years.

The lineup of speakers included MOA President Paul Hammersely, MOA Vice President Dana Brown, Bridge Recovery Center Director Jessica Lanneville, and Bridge members Erin Montgomery and Sean Shuemate. The themes of loss of life, hope for recovery,

and the relentless commitment to the work of recovery resonated with each of them. There were tears of pain and joy during the speeches.

Keynote speaker Cindy Robillard commanded the room with her heartfelt story of the loss of her son, the pain of stigma, the importance of community, and her hope for others.

Near the end of the event the names of those lost to substance use disorder were read by community volunteers and BRC Staff members as Paul Hammersley struck a bell once foreach person.

Throughout the evening a collage of photos of those lost had been

scrolling on the screen at the front of the room. At the conclusion of the vigil Andrea Tracey’s rendition of Amazing Grace was both solemn and hopeful.

The group walked to City Hall escorted by the Malden Police, for a final act of solidarity where a photo was taken under the Bridge, illuminated in purple. Together We Can.

MOA President Paul Hammersely would like to give special thanks to the MOA Board of Directors, Bridge Recovery Center staff, and community volunteers for their collective efforts in organizing and implementing such a special event.