Comments of Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz at the dedication of the Domestic Violence Victims Tribute Garden at Isleview Park in Tonwanda, New York today:
Today, we do more than just dedicate a garden. We honor the victims of domestic violence and dedicate ourselves to ending this scourge on society.
While there are many names and faces of domestic violence, in the end it is essentially the face of humanity because domestic violence knows no ethnicity, no economic status, no religion, and yes, knows no one gender.
It is as old as Bible yet as present as today.
That is why what we do here today is so important because we, as a community, make a solemn pledge to the victims of domestic violence.
To those who are no longer here we say to you – you are not forgotten.
While we cannot change the past, we will always remember you, your smile, the joy you brought to our lives, the incredible total journey that was your life and we pledge to you we will work as a community to ensure others do not befall a similar fate.
To those who are still here we say to you – you are not alone.
There is hope because we, all of us, are here for you.
You matter to each and every one of us. You are a strong person who is an integral member of our greater society and together we will walk down a path towards a brighter future for you.
Today we consecrate these grounds to honor and celebrate the lives of the men and women who are the names and faces of the victims of domestic violence in our community.
Today is a day which in which we pledge to them we will work together, as a community, to create a better and safer future for all. Thank you