Support, love, and compassion have always been woven into our community. From the annual Turkey Trot past the homes of our neighbors to the tree lighting ceremony in December or cheering together at Witter or Binks. Piedmont is a town built on connection, and these shared moments make it strong.
In that same community that ensures when tragedy occurs, everyone connects.
In the wake of the devastating crash that claimed the lives of three students of the class of 2023, unity is more important than ever.
Over 1500 individually placed flowers now adorn the base of the tree marking the site of the accident. The town connected in a silent vigil, lights held up by hundreds of people. A moment of connected silence was held at the high school held in the memory of the students. Piedmont’s sense of community strengthens these moments. Only with the wide spreading compassion of the community could a vigil be so quickly organized and receive such overwhelming attending. Only in the small town of Piedmont would a moment of silence simultaneously impact every student and staff. The solidarity in these past few weeks has been nothing short of remarkable, and will continue. Whether it’s through small gestures–a kind word, a quiet moment of understanding–or unified efforts.
As we move forward, we must remember those we have lost. Their names should never fade from our thoughts, from our conservation, or from our hearts. We will continue to say their names with love and share their stories and celebrate the light they brought to this community because in doing so we ensure that their memory lives on.
In this difficult time, let us continue to lean on each other. Let us continue to cherish the moments we shared with those whom we have lost, and hold onto the memories of their laughter and dreams. Our community is strong and those the pain may never fully subside. We know that we will find strength in each other as we continue to heal.
And now we know the community will always hold fast. Grief doesn’t have a timeline and it’s a road we walk together. We will continue to recognize our community supports us and we support our community.
