Vigil offers message of unity
Fischman, 61; editor and sports writer John McNamara, 56; and Rebecca Smith, 34, a sales assistant.
From the grassy knoll where the crowd spontaneously broke out into a rendition of “Amazing Grace,” mourners could see the giant “888” on the upper wall of the brown brick office building housing The Capital. As new participants joined the group, each was given an unlighted white candle.
“The First Amendment enshrines the protection of a free press,” said the Rev. Stephen A. Tillett, pastor of Asbury Broadneck United Methodist Church of Annapolis. “They keep their eye on things, and that’s what keeps us honest.”
The gathering was an interdenominational service, as one of several vigil services held Friday in and around Annapolis. Earlier, at a service honoring Winters, the Rev. John T. Crestwell Jr. said that she had attended an active-shooter training held about three weeks ago at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis.
A reporter told Crestwell that Winters “did not cower in fear, but she actually went towards the gunman and gave her life,” he said during Winters’ service.
“She died a heroine. She probably saved more lives, and that’s something we can be proud of in spite of this tragedy.” Participants in a candlelight vigil for the victims of the shooting at the Capital Gazette march down Main Street in Annapolis.
The crowd at the outdoor service included Furgurson and other Capital Gazette employees, Winters’ daughters, Maryland first lady Yumi Hogan (who did not speak) and Maryland House Speaker Michael E. Busch.
Wiping his eyes, Busch told the group that his daughter had played soccer with one of Winters’ daughters and that he used to run into her frequently at PTA meetings.
“These people were husbands, wives, mothers and fathers,” Busch said. “They didn’t come from someplace else. They were dedicated to our community. They did not deserve to die under these circumstances.”
About 45 minutes before sunset, the Rev. Ryan P. Sirmons, pastor of the United Church of Christ of Annapolis, read the name of the three men and two women aloud. After each one, a bell sounded chimed one doleful chime.
But though the five were the most obvious casualties, those attending the vigil acknowledged that the survivors were damaged as well.
After the service ended, a man came up to Furgurson, tears in his eyes.
“Thank you for getting my newspaper to me this morning,” he said.