Over 75 people gathered in Market Street Park in Huntingburg last night for a candlelight vigil to remember those who have fought, suffered, and died due to substance abuse and addiction.
Hosted by the Dubois County Substance Abuse Council, those who gathered at the park were greeted by music played by Debbie Schuetter. The Substance Abuse Council Coordinator Jenna Bieker stood up and greeted everyone and thanked them for attending before handing the microphone over to several speakers who spoke about the struggles with fighting addiction and substance abuse. Whether it was themselves who fought or those who had to watch a loved one go through addiction, many gave very personal stories about how substance abuse has affected them.
It was after this that everyone attending took a candle and a biodegradable balloon, on which they could write a message to a loved one and release it into the wind.
Bieker stated that the candlelight vigil was a way to get a conversation going on about a topic that no one talks about and be open about their struggles. She continued by saying that Dubois County may have a lack of understanding and that the vigil served as a spotlight to show what is happening in Dubois County “here and now”.
