In trying times 'care for one another'
More than 200 somber PLU students gathered in Red Square for a Candle Light Vigil Nov. 30 to honor four slain Lakewood Police Officers.
The horrible tragedy that happened early Nov. 29 brought them together to pay their respects. The student driven ceremony began with a bagpipe precession of “Amazing Grace” played by ASPLU President Teddy Krogh. Students then sang the song together, followed by a reading of a short poem by a student.
While the light of the candles flickered and the students stood silent in reflection each name of the fallen officers was said aloud followed by a chime of a bell.
Earlier in the day a Chapel service was held in honor of the officers. President Loren J. Anderson delivered a homily of hope and healing.
“A few decades back there was a popular song that urged us to ‘lean on me when you are not strong,’” he told the assembled crowd. “In our weakness today, I urge us to lean on one another, care for one another, be kind to one another.”
“On this day of loss, may the gift of life, the gift of one another be our solace, may it give us strength as we move forward,” Anderson added.
The slain police officers were are a part of this community and they truly lived lives of service – something PLU strives for each student to achieve, in all its forms.
In times of such strife and chaos PLU uses the tools it has available to do whatever it takes to make its students aware and protected from such tragic events.
Immediately after the shooting was reported PLU’s text message alert were sent out to students, as well as e-mail notifications and constant updates on the PLU web site.
The best way students can get these alerts is by signing up at the
Campus Safety website. When parents hear of an event like this unfolding go to the
PLU Homepage for up-to-date information. The alert message will be at the top of the web site.
