Vigil attendees stand for democracy

More than 65 people stood in silent vigil for about a half-hour Jan. 10 along Savannah Road in Lewes. The masked group stood in two socially distanced rows, many with homemade signs, in support of democracy and the U.S. Constitution. The demonstration was held less than a week after a group of insurrectionists was unsuccessful in its attempt to stop the certification of President-elect Joe Biden’s electoral college victory at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The vigil was organized in part by the Rev. Canon Mark Harris of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on Second Street in Lewes. Also involved in the demonstration were members of the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice, and members of mayor and city council. 

At the city council meeting Jan. 11, Mayor Ted Becker denounced the events of Jan. 6.  

“We are all horrified to see the lawless mob attack the Capitol building,” he said. “We mourn the loss of the Capitol Police officer’s life and the senseless violence. While we can never condone or forget the actions of those who inspired and perpetrated this un-American and dastardly act, we join together in working together for a better community. That is a responsibility of every American.”