To the editor:
As a reminder, grassroots organization Building Bridges, located in Brown County, Indiana, with God at the helm, is also based on the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of Catholic action and the saint who loves furry and feathered friends. Our immediate cause of action has been the presidential campaign and upcoming election.
We have been very busy these last two months, talking to you, we, the people on a daily basis, in addition to paying extremely close attention to the ins and outs of what is going on between the two candidates. I am sure many of you are as well. What is happening is unprecedented. The two candidates rarely take a day off, which is most unusual at the early juncture. Therefore, Building Bridges has hardly taken a day off either. To say it is getting more weird and strange is a complete understatement. I have never ever seen anything like this. Time is of the essence because the Republican and Democratic conventions are in July. That said, we, the people, have collective power.
It is time to let our voices be heard. No longer can we stay silent. We, the people, along with the churches, need to rise up in a peaceful way. No violence. No hate. These things are not of God. Therefore, we have designed Peace Rallies USA 2016, a music and arts festival, to be held Sept. 2, 3 and 4 for the purpose of networking with other folks who truly care about the direction our country is headed. Where? Right here in beautiful, pastoral Brown County. Nashville is the epicenter with all the shops, restaurants, arts, crafters, musicians, supporting businesses, churches; however, there are shops and churches to our north, south, east and west. All of Brown County must be involved. The purpose? To invite visitors here in all ways possible: newspaper writings, ads, putting this document on your social media pages, telling everyone you know. Communicate with all the churches.
The 4th falls on a Sunday. It also happens to be one week to the day of the anniversary of Sept. 11. This is a perfect time for churches to talk about the innocent souls lost, how 9/11 affected the country and how it affected each and every one of us.
I will humbly tell you something very personal. I spent 14 hours on foot, alone, praying over the Indy 500 Race on Carb Day. Along the way, I met many wonderful people who gave me a chair to sit on and a fresh water. Then, we engaged in the presidential election. Everyone is concerned deeply. I talked about Peace Rallies USA 2016, and they were interested.
Additionally, and most humbly, I made a trip to New York, with a little help from my friends to make airfare. I slept with the homeless in Times Square, engaged with wonderful New Yorkers. There again, the presidential election is most immediate on their minds. There, I exchanged cellphone numbers with many and talked up beautiful Brown County, Indiana and Peace Rallies USA 2016.
Folks, I walk the walk and talk the talk, but I cannot do it alone. I need your help. I realize it’s not that far away, but really, Nashville is already ready.
There are only a few things I would ask of you. I am calling for every shop, business, church and home to put up an American Flag. Many of you have done so already. Let us show our patriotism, like we did during the Spring Blossom Parade this year. What a wonderful display, truly a sight to behold. If we join forces, and I have no doubt we can, this event can go down in the history books. After all, it is we, the people.
Brown County is a model community. It is home to some of the most wonderful, eclectic group of folks I have ever met in my life. Living here for 24 years back in the hills has afforded me the opportunity to meet some amazing people. I have felt that way since day one.
Folks, we can call ourselves Volunteers of America, with the process beginning right here in our Brown County. We will all say “Isn’t it amazin’ all the people I meet, look what’s comin’ up the streets, and hey we’re dancing down the streets.” Remember the song from the ‘60s? History has a way of repeating itself.
There will be further details forthcoming. However, if you sing, have a band, are a videographer, please let us know. Who knows, we just might have a surprise headliner musician and a few special guests.
This event will take many hearts and hands. Please volunteer in whatever way you can. There are so many areas needing volunteers. Please call me at 812-988-2923 or 317-409-2720.
Folks, I will say it again: It is time, it is time. I know you know it is time.
Sincerely,
Kathy A. Sepiol, chairperson, grassroots organization Building Bridges
P.S. As in the first Peace Rally held on April 16, a donation of a canned meat item to help keep our local food pantries stocked will be most appreciated. Drop-off boxes will be everywhere. Thank you so much.
P.P.S. On private home or church land, we are most interested in folks being able to set up booths to sell their arts and crafts. A group of folks can be in one booth. A nominal fee will be charged. This is a very critical component, so that everyone can be involved. This will be an exciting opportunity for so many who, otherwise, might not have a way to sell their arts and crafts. It can all be worked out by simply giving me a call. Thank you, Brown County!
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