By Rep. Joe Pitts
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Family members of murder victims from domestic violence and members of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department brought their story to the State Capitol this week.
According to House Joint Resolution #762, passed by the House 3/17/2014 in honor of the display and project, “…the red, wooden silhouettes stand tall and silent, yet they speak louder than any voice. Gold shields attached to their chests tell their stories; the stories of women and children who can no longer speak for themselves. They are the silent witnesses of Clarksville: those who have died in the name of domestic violence.”
To read the entire resolution, right click on the following hyperlink and open http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default.aspx?BillNumber=HJR0762, left click on the hyperlink HJR762 in the left corner.
“I asked Deputy Peggy Macias to bring the Silent Witness Project to the State Capitol after Cindy and I attended the “Remember My Name” event last year,” State Representative Joe Pitts (D-Clarksville) said. “It is a moving and deeply disturbing exhibit. I encourage everyone to take notice of the exhibit and the stories of these victims, and also understand there are family members left behind.”
Boy Scout Larry Keesler from Troop 516 in Clarksville also attended and assisted with this exhibit. He is a Life Scout and working on his Eagle Project. Larry is raising funds to build a Memorial Garden to honor the victims of domestic violence. The memorial garden will give their families a place to reflect as well as raise awareness in our community to help prevent domestic violence. The garden will include a beautiful fountain, benches for sitting and flowers. Each victim will have their own personalized memorial brick added to the walkway.
All donations are welcome and if you are a Platinum, Gold or Silver donor, you will have your name added to a special plaque and a Shield Donor will receive a certificate. The Memorial Garden will be located off First Street in Spur Trail Park.
To make a donation, contact Larry Keesler at keeslerlarry@yahoo.com or 931-217-0153.