The candlelit “We are One Vigil of Solidarity” hosted out of The Fountains Methodist Church this past weekend was a touching remembrance of the recent events in Charlottesville, as well as an uplifting declaration that the men and women of Fountain Hills stand united against all forms of discrimination.

On Aug. 12, a terrorist drove their car into a group of protestors in Charlottesville, VA, injuring 19 and killing 32-year-old Heather Heyer. The driver of the car was a white nationalist, with the victims being counter-protestors to white supremacy groups also gathered in the area.

As stated by fliers and advertisements leading up to the local “We are One” vigil, the event was a direct response to the violent actions the week prior, which were spurred on by intolerance and hatred for that which is different. All were welcome at the vigil, no matter their race, nationality, gender, religion, sexual orientation or creed. The message was a simple one: “Together we will witness to our commitment to the core American values of interdependence, equality and unity in diversity.”

And that’s exactly what happened. True to the word of the organizers, the event was not political in nature. Signs were carried but, instead of campaign slogans, they displayed messages of hope. A collection of speakers took the stage, but their words were guided by love, acceptance and condolences for those directly impacted by the events in Charlottesville. No partisan lines were drawn; just neighbors coming together for a common cause.

We commend Fountain Hills for leading by example and agree with the hundreds in attendance: Hate is not welcome here.