A vigil was held in Victoria Park in Cobourg on Sunday, August 22, 2021 in support of local families from Cobourg who are from Afghanistan.
Eva Hall organized the event which included Cobourg Mayor John Henderson, along with a number of councillors, and federal Liberal candidate Alison Lester and Conservative candidate Philip Lawrence.
A number of people spoke during the hour long vigil that took place in front of the bandshell and just south of the cenotaph.
Hall took members of the family around to personally meet everyone in attendance who came from as far as Toronto to attend.
Hall emphasized from at the beginning of the service that it is not about politics. It is about supporting, “our community family.”
“We’ve come to know them over the years. We just know what an incredibly generous, kind and loving family that we’ve got to know that is really part of our family,” said Hall to begin the vigil.
“They’re really hurting right now. They are really suffering and hurting because of their grief of what’s happening in Afghanistan.”
“Several of their family members are in imminent danger.”
Lawrence began with a prayer of unity not directed to any particular God.
Councillor Adam Bureau was the first to speak during the vigil saying, “anytime you need anything, please reach out.
Because that’s why we are all here. Because we care so much about you.”
Other councillors spoke echoing Bureau’s comments how they will support the family in anyway possible to help them cope.
“I cannot fathom what you and your family are going through,” said councillor Nicole Beatty.
“Canada is an open and welcoming country. Cobourg has deep routes and a big heart. From my heart to yours I’m so very sorry.”
Councillor Emily Chorley told the family that, “we feel your grief. We feel your pain. We feel your anxiety. We are one with you right now.”
Federal liberal candidate Alison Lester told the family, “we are doing everything we can to get as many people out as possible and working with allies to ensure that women and minorities have a voice. That voice will carry through in our response. And know that here in Cobourg, we are your community and we will be there with you all along the way.”
Cobourg Mayor John Henderson said, “we want to open our community to you. The message is, we are here – for you and your family, and especially the young ones.”
A number of other people spoke at the event saying how they support the family.
Martin Granger who has known the family for several years said, “I’m grateful more than ever to live in this country and I’m wishing where anybody lives – there will be peace.”
Having been to Afghanistan, Granger said they are beautiful people, “they deserve a peaceful, honest life.”
Hall said that one of the families children told her the day before the vigil that they believed people from Cobourg didn’t want them in Canada.
“This today is about Afghanistan, but our worlds problems – but there is blind hatred all over the world. And we need to come together in small communities like this to meet each other.”
The gathering ended with a prayer with Lawrence calling the community to come together with love.
The sixteen-year-old son of the family spoke to Today’s Northumberland after the vigil saying it’s very hard to see and hear his mother crying every night for her family members who are still in Afghanistan.
“I’m seeing my mom and my dad stressing and calling my family back home. It’s really hard for them for what they’re going through. It hurts me to see my mom cry – I hate it.”
The support from the community was overwhelming for his family on Sunday and something they will always remember through good times and bad.
“I was really surprised to see how many people came to support my family and I.”
“I’m really thankful.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
