Anthony Rizzo returned home on Thursday to mourn with the students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and offer some heartwarming words at a candlelight vigil.
“There are a lot of communities out there that know exactly what we’re going through right now and have to relive these moments again and again,” an emotional Rizzo said before the candlelit crowd. “While I don’t have all the answers, I know that something has to change before this is visited on another community, and another community, and another community.”
Anthony Rizzo of the @Cubs delivers an emotional speech at the vigil for the school shooting victims in Parkland, Florida. https://t.co/EyiWMnOzoZ @ARizzo44 pic.twitter.com/lIQM6lbH48
— FOX 32 News (@fox32news) February 16, 2018
The Chicago Cubs star was a 2007 graduate of the South Florida high school where a gunman opened fire on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of 17 people. Rizzo left the Cubs training camp in Arizona to return home in order to grieve with the community.
“I am only who I am because of this community,” Rizzo said during his remarks. “And I just want all of you to know how proud I am to be a part of this community. I want you to know that you’re not alone in your grief. We’re all grieving with you. The entire country is grieving with you. So whatever comfort I can give, I will give. Whatever support I can offer to our students, teachers, coaches and families and first responders, you’ll have it.”
Parkland and Coral Springs please stay strong! This is out of control and and our country is in desperate need for change. I hope In this darkest of times back home this brings everyone together and we can find love. You’re all in my prayers
— Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) February 14, 2018
Thousands of people gathered at the Parkland Amphitheater on Thursday night where Rizzo and several other speakers addressed the crowd.
“I promise you we’re going to be mourning, grieving and a bit broken for a while,” Rizzo continued. “We’re human. But I promise the cameras are going to move on. The demands of everyday life will intrude again. Classes will start again. The seasons are gonna change, and the sun is going to rise. And all we’ll have left is each other.”
