By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor
Marlborough – Those who go through downtown Marlborough this weekend either on foot or in car will most certainly be struck by a powerful display of over 1,200 small purple flags that have been placed on the front lawn of the Walker Building, 255 Main St.
The flags were placed there in memory of those residents of Massachusetts who have lost their battle with drug addiction over the past year.
In conjunction with the flags, the public is invited to an International Overdose Awareness Day candlelight vigil that will be held there Monday, Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. The event is being organized by Kathy Leonard, whose son, Jonathan Testa, died from a heroin overdose last December.
Overdose Awareness Day has been a key remembrance event for those who have died from fatal drug overdoses since 2001. On Aug. 31 thousands of people worldwide will stand alongside the friends and families of fatal overdose victims to reflect on those who have been lost. The event is organized, Leonard said, with the understanding that no one need feel shame or disgrace over a drug overdose.
“Overdose Awareness Day offers all who have been affected by overdose a chance to publicly mourn and help the wider community understand that fatal overdose profoundly affects mainstream society,” she said. “We lose an average of 120 lives per day in this country to overdose. “
The flags were donated through the generosity of the Jacqueline Olivo Foundation, Inc., a Bellingham-based nonprofit founded in memory of Olivo by her mother, Lois. (For more information visit www.jofoundation.com.)
In case of rain, the vigil will be held at the First Church in Marlborough, Parish Hall, 37 High St. Free parking is available throughout the downtown area.
For more information call Leonard at 508-460-2002 or email [email protected].