June 17, 2016
From: James Walton, MD, President
Re: Violence in Orlando
Five days ago we were shocked to learn of the horrifying attack and murder of so many Americans at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando. We feel sadness and outrage at the terrible loss of life and great sympathy for the wounded and for the friends and families of those who were killed.
In speaking of the attack on the nightclub frequented by the LGBTQ community, President Obama said, “The place where they were attacked is more than a nightclub. It is a place of solidarity, empowerment where people come together to raise awareness, to speak their minds and to advocate for their civil rights. So this is a sobering reminder that attacks on any American regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation is an attack on all of us and on fundamental values of equality and dignity that define us as a country. No act of hate or terror will ever change who we are, or the values that make us Americans.”
This awful act of terror and hatred is an attack on all of us, and it is my hope that as individuals and as a community we will reflect on how we can serve our greater community and address these acts of terrible violence.
