Vigil in support of diversity, tolerance in Watertown this Saturday

Just a shout out to the BloggingBelmont community about an important event this Saturday in Watertown. As you may or may not know, there was an incident in Watertown last week in which a Rainbow flag that was flying at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in town was burned. This followed  an earlier theft of a rainbow flag from the Church that was not reported to police, and similar incidents in Sudbury and Quincy, according to an article in the Watertown Tab. Rainbow flags are symbols of inclusion for people of all ethnic, racial and cultural backgrounds. More recently it has been used as a sign of welcome for members of different sexual orientations as well: gay, lesbian, and transgender. The Watertown Police are investigating but, to date, there have not been any arrests. The incident has generated passionate calls for tolerance on the OP-Ed pages of the town’s paper.

Rainbow Flag Vigil July 25, 2009

Rainbow Flag Vigil July 25, 2009

The Church is holding a vigil in Watertown Square this Saturday, July 25, at 6:00 PM  in honor of the rainbow flag and what it represents. Following the vigil, there will be a procession to the First Parish, where there will be a short ceremony to reinstall the rainbow flag.

From the organizers:

These principles of honoring and respecting diversity have long been a part of the culture of Watertown. When they are suddenly threatened by an act of hatred, such as the burning of the flag, we must come together with one voice to support those who may feel afraid, and reaffirm our commitment to making this community a safe and respectful place for all.

Supporters are encouraged to attend and also to write the Tab to express their feelings about the flag burning.