Joel's Speech
Good evening. I would first like to thank you all for taking the time to support Beth and her family. It is amazing to see such a huge turnout in Support of Beth and the other victims and their families after the recent SJC ruling.
I am honored to have been asked to speak for a few minutes tonight.
I remember when I first met Beth, in the summer of 1991. I was friends with Dawn at the time and Beth clearly looked up to her and wanted to be with us all the time. She was very good at making sure she always was with us. I remember her smile, her laugh, her sweetness and in many ways, her innocence. She was vibrant, funny and energetic. I can visualize her still, 21 years later, with her beautiful smile. She was witty and clearly had many years of experience knowing how to press dawn’s buttons. Sibling love at its finest.
As you look around, Beth has clearly touched each one of you, whether you knew her or not. For many of us, we were teenagers trying to make sense of the impossible. As adults we gather to remember and honor her. We are her voice, we are her advocates. I’m sure I can speak for many when I say that Beth’s memory lives strong.
To Beth’s parents: As a parent now, I have a different perspective that I was unable to see at 18 years old. I cannot imagine the feeling of loss worse than losing a child. My heart is forever with you. To Beth’s family: We support you, we walk with you, we fight beside you. Our hearts are heavy knowing you have to re-live this 21 years later. Most importantly, to Beth: We support Justice for you. We will be your voice and will speak loudly. We miss you. We have never forgotten you. Time has passed but your memory will never be gone.
It is hard to believe 21 years has gone by, as I still see her smile clearly. We will continue to be her voice and achieve Justice for Beth.
As I was thinking about what to say tonight, I came across a quote that I felt was very fitting that I would like to end with “Beautiful and graceful, varied and enchanting, small but approachable, Butterflies lead you to the sunny side of life, and all of us deserve some sunshine.“
Thank you for coming out and supporting Justice for Beth and her family.
I am honored to have been asked to speak for a few minutes tonight.
I remember when I first met Beth, in the summer of 1991. I was friends with Dawn at the time and Beth clearly looked up to her and wanted to be with us all the time. She was very good at making sure she always was with us. I remember her smile, her laugh, her sweetness and in many ways, her innocence. She was vibrant, funny and energetic. I can visualize her still, 21 years later, with her beautiful smile. She was witty and clearly had many years of experience knowing how to press dawn’s buttons. Sibling love at its finest.
As you look around, Beth has clearly touched each one of you, whether you knew her or not. For many of us, we were teenagers trying to make sense of the impossible. As adults we gather to remember and honor her. We are her voice, we are her advocates. I’m sure I can speak for many when I say that Beth’s memory lives strong.
To Beth’s parents: As a parent now, I have a different perspective that I was unable to see at 18 years old. I cannot imagine the feeling of loss worse than losing a child. My heart is forever with you. To Beth’s family: We support you, we walk with you, we fight beside you. Our hearts are heavy knowing you have to re-live this 21 years later. Most importantly, to Beth: We support Justice for you. We will be your voice and will speak loudly. We miss you. We have never forgotten you. Time has passed but your memory will never be gone.
It is hard to believe 21 years has gone by, as I still see her smile clearly. We will continue to be her voice and achieve Justice for Beth.
As I was thinking about what to say tonight, I came across a quote that I felt was very fitting that I would like to end with “Beautiful and graceful, varied and enchanting, small but approachable, Butterflies lead you to the sunny side of life, and all of us deserve some sunshine.“
Thank you for coming out and supporting Justice for Beth and her family.