BRADENTON (WSNN) – Today marks the first anniversary of the attack on the U.S. Capitol. And a group in Manatee County hosted a vigil for democracy.
More than a hundred people came out to the Manatee County Courthouse for a candlelight vigil on the anniversary of the January 6th Capitol Insurrection.
“What happened a year ago was reprehensible, it was an attack on the people, the people of our country who voted and want to be heard, who want their votes counted,” Temporary Sarasota County Resident Cheryl Roller said.
“I was devastated, I couldn’t believe this was happening in America,” Bradenton resident William Clapper said. “This is not supposed to happen in America.”
In light of the scars Indivisible Manatee says it left on our country, this pro-democracy group promoted a message on the freedom to vote.
“This is one of over 200 events that are happening,” Indivisible Manatee Organizer said. “People across race, place, background, and party are coming together to say that in America, voters choose the outcome of elections.”
After an opening prayer, several speakers talked about our voting rights and how the United States became the free country that it is today.
A gathering leaving some inspired…
“It was very moving to see all the people gathered here,” Clapper said. “It just shows how strong the feeling is in this town, in this country for freedom and democracy.”
Not only was this an opportunity for people to gather in solidarity, but it was a day of action.
“We need to work really hard to save our democracy,” Coleman said. “It’s not over yet, we still are facing attacks on our democracy and we need to enact critical federal legislation to protect our voting rights.”
Legislation they discussed included the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
At the end of the event, many supporters called politicians, taking action.