Ballard Park Peace Gathering Planned After Swastika Was Found There

RIDGEFIELD, CT — A group of Ridgefielders is planning a peace gathering and candle light vigil on Friday, Nov. 25, 2-16 from 2-4:30 p.m. in the gazebo at Ballard Park, according to a social media post by Aimee Berger-Girvalo who said the event is "non-partisan."

The event is planned after a red swastika was found painted near the playground in Ballard Park last week. The vandalism took place one week after several were painted on a home and two vehicles in Danbury. Several black spray painted swastikas were also found on two vehicles in the downtown Danbury area, one was scratched onto the door of a van at Catholic Family Charities on West Street, on a work van for Fish Window Cleaning and on a van on George Street. These are just a handful of hate crimes going on across the nation related to Donald Trump winning the presidential election. Some of the incidents happened before Trump was elected.

"Let's show that swastikas and other hate symbols or acts of bigotry will not be tolerated in our town," said Berger-Girvalo. "I know it was very upsetting for us all to see this happen in our own town.... Jessica and I both wondered what kind of positive action we could take as a response, to promote unity within our community and beyond. Just as we started talking about it, we, and a few others in this group were contacted and asked to brainstorm about it. Of course, we learned shortly after that a mom who frequents the playground was already working with the town to plan a peaceful gathering. So naturally, we asked if we could tag along!"

A special speaker (to be announced ) has been invited. People are invited to bring chalk to write words of love and peace on the sidewalk where the swastika once was. Posters and signs are encouraged as well. At the end of the park event, a quiet, candlelight walk to Town Hall and back will take place.

Realted:

• Swastika Found in Ridgefield's Ballard Park
• Two Swastikas Discovered at Ridgefield High School
• Danbury Hate Crime: Swastika Found on House & Mazda CX7

Photo taken by Elvert Barnes via Flickr Creative Commons