Solemn ceremony

Article Photos

ESCANABA - A ceremony honoring the lives that have been lost in drunk driving accidents, as well as the bereaved families who suffer, was held Thursday at Escanaba City Hall. The fifth annual Red Ribbon ceremony organized by local MADD members, brought healing to some, and brought the awareness of the damaging effects of drunken driving to many.

Local Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) members joined with Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) for the afternoon ceremony which was an opportunity for the two groups to promote safe and sober driving during the holidays, as well as to honor those who have been victims of drunk driving.

SADD members began the ceremony by tying red ribbons onto the memorial tree standing in the lobby of Escanaba City Hall. Earlier in the day, SADD members also tied red ribbons on vehicles at Escanaba High School.

"SADD and MADD have joined together today, to create the red ribbon tree as a memorial to those most impacted by drinking and driving," said Mahwish Sajid, a SADD member and Escanaba senior, during the ceremony. "Each one of the 345 hand-tied ribbons on the tree represents a life lost as the result of an alcohol-related crash. In addition, the white lights on the tree honor the reported 6,563 individuals injured in alcohol-related crashes during the past year."

Set up near the memorial tree was a board with the names and photos of local residents who have died in alcohol-related vehicle accidents. Many of those who attended the ceremony were touched by these visible reminders of the negative effects of drinking and driving.

One of those photos belonged to Cathy who was killed by a drunk driver in 1986 at the age of 20. Cathy was the daughter of Guy and Millie Hurkmans, who were in attendance at the ceremony. Millie said they come every year, in honor of their beloved daughter.

"It's like we're doing this for Cathy so she's remembered," said Millie. "We want to get across to the public not to drink and drive."

Doris Maloney, Escanaba, has also been a victim of an alcohol-related car accident. Her son David, who's photo was also on the board, was killed two years ago in a car accident on St. Patrick's Day. Maloney said this was the first year she attending the red ribbon ceremony.

"It's a good feeling, like you're involved and making people aware so this doesn't happen to them," she said.

Salvation Army Maj. Bill Cox led a solemn and healing prayer. Then, Sajid went on to explain more about the purpose of the red ribbon ceremony and the efforts of MADD and SADD in the prevention of drunk driving. She also explained that the color red was chosen for the ribbons because it represented both blood and courage.

"Many years ago, Mothers Against Drunk Driving chose to use the color red to symbolize the couragethe courage behind a simple pledge," said Sajid. "For over 25 years, the on-going mission of MADD has been to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking."

Sajid went on to ask those present to make a pledge not to drink and drive and to display the red ribbon on their vehicle to remind others to do the same.

SADD advisor Gary Lark said student members attend the red ribbon ceremony annually, and incorporate it into their own tradition of tying red ribbons onto vehicles around town to promote safe and sober driving.

Lark said it's beneficial for the youth to participate in the effort to promote safe and sober driving by attending the red ribbon ceremony.

"It allows them to see and meet other people in the community," he said. "It creates their awareness about the issue of drunk driving, and when they go back to school they share their experience. They see how valuable groups like MADD are to the community and they learn how they can make a positive impact."

The red ribbon memorial tree will be displayed at the Escanaba City Hall for the duration of the holiday season, said Sajid. The tree will serve as a reminder to those who pass through to be safe this holiday. It will also remain there in honor of those who have been victims of drunk driving, as well as to their families.