Well over 400 students and community members attended the candlelight vigil, a far stronger showing than the 250 people expected to attend by the Student Government, which hosted the ceremony.
Associated Students of Cerritos College (ASCC) Vice-President Sara Mayorga opened the ceremony by leading the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and introducing the evening’s speakers.
After paying respects to the diversity of religions and forms of beliefs that exist, Dr. Ed Bloomfield gave a spiritual message commemorating those who had died, concluding by leading the audience in a reading of the Lord’s Prayer.
By showing their support at this vigil, many students hoped to send a message to the rest of the world that time of hate and mistrust is at an end.
Administration of Justice major Jason Lehman showed up wearing a black T-shirt with the definition of “Eracism” scrawled across the back of it.
“ERACISM: The removal… of the belief that one race is superior to another.”
Said Lehman, “This shirt is my way of making a statement.”
Other students wore more traditional symbols of national support, such as flag shirts, hats and ribbons tied to their lapels.
Bridgett Rivera (sociology) wore an oversized Army sweatshirt in support of her brother, who is currently serving.
“I feel bad about it, he is my only brother… but this is a worthy cause for him to serve,” said Rivera.
A number of students had Henna tattoos of American flags painted onto their arms or legs. One student even dyed her hair red, white and blue.
Hope for Americans
Also speaking were Cerritos President Dr. Jane Harmon, ASCC President Nassrin Boyadloo and former ASCC President Wayne Nunnery.
All bore similar testimonies of faith and hope in America and in the strength of its people.
Bonyadloo noted the diversity of the people attending and said, “…when hope is challenged, unity will be the pillars (for) hope.”
Not all the students who attended were happy with the evening’s activities.
“I don’t know, this (vigil) seems too over played, too much media,” said Liberal Arts major Anna Milinski. “This should just be students here, (all these people) makes this feel a little fake.”
The ceremony concluded with a flag procession to the center of the fountain area followed by the singing of. patriotic hymns.
ASCC Commissioner of Information Technology Jaswinder Singh carried the American flag.
The choice to have a religious Sikh carry the flag was a conscious one made by the members of the ASCC, but was a duty Singh was glad to take on.
“I am not Muslim, but some people will still mistake me as one,” said Singh, “but whatever else may happen, I am still proud to be an American.”
Singh also mentioned the violence inflicted on other members of his community by people mistaking them for Muslims.
He cited several examples of violence that had occurred in the wake of the New York tragedy.
As an example, over the weekend a man of Egyptian decent was attacked and killed by people who mistook his ethnicity.
Singh hopes events like this vigil will help ease tensions and return a sense of normalcy to his community.
Also in attendance were the firefighters of Engine Company 115, which is housed across from the college on Alondra Blvd.
They were here at the invitation of the college as a means of honoring the brotherhood they represent.
“We are glad they invited us,” said Captain Ken Whitehead “we were honored to be here.”
At the same time, students were glad to see the firefighters.
Liberal Arts Major Tommy Pespie was glad the Firemen were there as it gave him the opportunity to shake the hands of several of them.
“I’m glad they are around, just in case.”
Members of the Cerritos Music Department led the audience in the singing of the National Anthem “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful,” “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” and “God Bless America.”
