The Compact honors Orlando nightclub victims, brings Prayer Ribbons to Orlando

Like communities across the country, Provincetown, Massachusetts was shocked and outraged by the recent massacre at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. In response, the Provincetown Community Compact (The Compact) recently memorialized the 49 victims at a special ceremony at Provincetown Town Hall. Each person’s name, which was inscribed on a black Prayer Ribbon, and age was read aloud and attached to a part of the 2,800 personal Prayer Ribbons collected over 29 years at the annual Provincetown Swim for Life. An additional ribbon was inscribed for those injured in the Orlando attack.This specially dedicated strand of Prayer Ribbons will travel to Orlando to be displayed for public viewing: Leu Gardens, November 21-27; and Orlando City Hall, November 28-December 2. Poster.        “We are honored to share this memorial strand of Prayer Ribbons with the families and the community of Orlando”, stated Compact founder and director Jay Critchley. “Provincetown is an historic arts and tourist destination and a place of pilgrimage that welcomes all people,” he continued. “Since the early 1980s, we have mourned the loss of hundreds of people to AIDS and have responded with compassion and action. We share a kinship with the Orlando community and honor their strength and resilience”.About The CompactThe Provincetown Community Compact, Inc. was established in 1993 as a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization as a community-building and philanthropic organization. Its mission is to advance the health and cultural well being of the year round community of outer Cape Cod – its people, the natural environment and the economy. www.thecompact.orgAbout the Provincetown Swim for Life & Paddler FlotillaThe Provincetown Swim for Life, sponsored by The Compact, was established in 1988 to bring the community together and empower those affected by HIV. At this annual fundraiser, which has raised $4M for AIDS, women’s health and the community, the public is invited to honor people in their lives – both living and deceased – by inscribing a message on a five-foot long colored ribbon. These Prayer Ribbons are a visual witness to a community that has moved well beyond fear and hatred. These special fifty ribbons are the first black ribbons, and are inscribed in gold.Photos by Mike Syers.