Herndon Vigil Honors Memory Of Ruth Bader Ginsburg

HERNDON, VA — About 100 people gathered on the Herndon Town Green Sunday night for a candlelight vigil honoring the memory of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the U.S. Supreme Court justice who died Friday at the age of 87.

As attendees lighted candles and decorated the steps of Town Hall with photos, wreaths, and signs, Lisa Olsen performed several songs on her ukulele, including "Amazing Grace," "Dreaming" by Blondie, "Imagine" by John Lennon, "Here Comes the Change" by Kesha and "You Don’t Own Me" by Lesley Gore.

Then, following a 114-second moment of silence to honor Ginsburg's 87 years of living her truth plus her 27-year tenure as an associate justice, people came forward and shared their thoughts through words, song, and prayer.

"Quite a few people came up to speak and share their thoughts on RBG and what she meant to them personally," said LuLaRoe Brenna Danatzko, one of the vigil's organizers. "One woman said she was a first generation American. She moved to this country after her home country informed her she was unable to open a bank account for her daughter and that her husband would have to do it for her. Another speaker said she would not have the opportunities in the workplace without RBG and she wanted her daughters to have the same. Another said she was moved by the amount of young people that came out to celebrate someone who was an idol to her when she was young many years ago. She said it gave her hope for future generations."

Vice Mayor Sheila Olem remembered in high school and college hearing about all of the significant cases before the Supreme Court concerning women's rights and later learning that Ginsburg had been behind many of them.

"She did all these things for gender equality," Olem said. "She wasn't just doing it for women or for Jewish people or short people or mothers. But she made a difference for all of us. We have a long way to go and I think she has made us light years ahead of where we were in 1965 when she was just getting started."

Herndon resident Coco Buck described the vigil as a beautiful evening honoring a beautiful soul.

"Everything about the ceremony was perfect," she said. "It was very moving to hear members of the community come up to the stage to share how Ruth Bader Ginsburg made an impact on their lives and how important she was to shaping the freedoms and privileges that many of us have in this country."

Stevan Porter said the event had a Herndon small town feel to it.

"It was not overly political but basically neighbors sharing their thoughts and respects to a great woman and what she did with her life," he said.

Danatzko said that she and her fellow organizers planned the vigil as a way to help others grieve and process this historic moment and its implications for women, society, and our democracy.

"It brought us together in a way that offers us hope through these very dark times and allowed us to celebrate the life of an amazing human being who showed true servant leadership despite all the odds," she said.