MALDEN— Malden Overcoming Addiction (MOA) will host its third annual Candlelight Memorial Vigil Sunday at 6 p.m. at the high school.
During the event, the names of those lost to addiction will be read aloud as family and friends share in the ceremony.
“It is a powerful event for many reasons,” said MOA President Paul Hammersley, who co-founded the group to support addicts and their families. “We will publicly remember those that have been victims of addiction by calling their names. This can be a great comfort to their loved ones who know they have not been forgotten.”
More than 200 people participated in the first vigil, with nearly 70 names remembered, in 2015. Last year’s MOA event featured 100 names.
Guest speakers will also share their thoughts. For the past two years, Mayor Gary Christenson, Police Chief Kevin Molis and pastor Dan Ko of Seven Mile Road Church and others have delivered messages.
“It also is another way to show the Malden community’s strength in gathering together to assist those who need our help,” Hammersley said.
In addition to remembering those lost to addiction, there are other components to the event including informational tables. There is still time to have a loved one lost to addiction remembered at Sunday night’s vigil. Those interested may send a name and photo to [email protected].
