ST. PAUL — The deadline to submit photos of loved ones lost to substance abuse for inclusion in the Remember Our Loved Ones memorial event is Friday, April 14.
Remember Our Loved Ones is a memorial bringing the faces of people lost every day to opioids or alcohol in the state of Minnesota. The May 11 event at the Minnesota State Capitol will feature speakers, music and an opportunity to view the photos which will be placed on lawn signs on the promenade.
“We invite people to share their stories,” said event organizer Suzanne Nash, a program manager from the Indigenous Peoples Task Force, in a news release. “There is no place for families who have lost loved ones to connect with each other. By coming together, we will send the message that this is a real health crisis that demands action.”
There will be an 11 a.m. program on the Capitol steps featuring elected officials, community members and artists.
“This memorial is for all people in Minnesota. Substance use affects all communities, regardless of race, culture, or class. We want to break the stigma and share that the loved ones we have lost are real people,” explained Nash.
Through her work at the Indigenous Peoples Task Force, Nash has worked for decades in substance abuse prevention. The issue became much more deeply personal to her when she lost her son. “I want to continue his kindness and remember our loved ones.”
The deadline for submission of photos is April 14. Along with the photo, we invite family and relatives to submit three words to describe the character or interests of their loved one. Instructions for submission are at rememberolo.org.
