Time to unite to remember and resolve to never let this happen again.

I think everyone is aware of the tragedy that took the lives of 17 students and teachers at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on Feb. 14.There are perhaps some that do not know that on March 14, as part of an overwhelming grief felt nationwide, there will be walkouts and vigils staged by teachers and students at schools across the country in remembrance of those killed and to emphatically state the need for reducing gun violence and better school security.

The time set for these statements of solidarity and mutual concern is 10 a.m. for a 17-minute duration.

Here in Fountain Hills our schools will be on Spring Break. Nevertheless, there is apparently a grassroots, non-partisan desire in our town to participate in this vigil and call for affirmative action on the critical issues of student protection and reasonable firearm ownership.

I am told that citizens who care deeply about this issue are intending to gather at Fountain Hills High School near the school marquee just prior to 10 a.m. on Wednesday morning, March 14, and will observe a vigil or remembrance walk along the school boundaries on Palisades and Golden Eagle Boulevards. This is intended to last 17 minutes, one for each casualty at Parkland’s high school.

I wholeheartedly support such an outpouring by our community and feel it is entirely appropriate since Fountain Hills, if not for fortunate circumstances, could well be experiencing the agony of Parkland. I hope the turnout is sizable and our community sends a message of empathy and solidarity that reflects the character and hearts of the people who live here regardless of party affiliation.