More than 100 individuals gathered in the crisp fall air on Bedford Common Sunday evening, in the early evening darkness to honor the memory of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
People of every generation arrived in response to Saturday’s last-minute invitation that was shared via social media among friends, and in The Bedford Citizen so as many people as possible would know.
A large circle of masked mourners was for the most part appropriately distanced from each other. Candles were held high to honor Justice Ginsberg who died on Friday evening. The group stood in companionable silence remembering her. A young woman spontaneously stepped out from the crowd and came forward to read Justice Ginsberg’s editorial, Advice for Living, published in the New York Times on October 1, 2016.
Cathy Cordes initiated the event because she wanted to be with others to pay our respects to Justice Ginsburg whom she characterized as ‘this amazing woman.’ Standing in the crowd Cordes said, “felt like a big warm hug!”
She continued, “Justice Ginsberg said she wanted to be remembered as ‘Someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability and to help repair tears in her society, to make things a little better through the use of whatever ability she has. To do something…outside myself.’ She was an amazing role model who managed to do just that. It’s a goal that we should all aspire to achieve.”
Several participants shared their reflections on Sunday’s gathering:
Paula Gilarde: The attendees were predominately female, from very little girls all the way up to seniors in high school, young women to senior citizens, all united so pay their respects to Justice Ginsberg. It was quite moving.
Robin Grace: We lost one of the last stalwarts of liberty and justice in this country when we lost our Ruth. I am bereft.
Ginni Spencer: It was gratifying to see so many families, and groups of young girls. It made me think that their futures will be shaped by Justice Ginsburg’s legacy.
Ralph Hammond: Bedford Rotary members know my passion for supporting women and their important leadership, and I was proud to see so many women leaders and Rotarians on the Common to honor Justice Ginsburg on Sunday evening.
Margot Fleischman: It was very moving to be on the Common with other Bedford residents who felt the need to mark the passing of Justice Ginsburg, especially so many young women and girls. I think it reflects how meaningful she was as a role model, but also as a changemaker whose commitment to equality under the law remade the world we live in, allowing this generation of young people to grow up expecting their contributions to be valued regardless of their gender.
Editor’s Note: If you were on the Common and would like to add your reflection, please email it to [email protected]
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