Vigil, Procession Marking 3rd Anniversary of Death of Marcelo Lucero

Contributed by the Lucero Family

A Vigil commemorating the third anniversary of the hate crime killing of Ecuadorian immigrant Marcelo Lucero will launch a weeklong series of events aimed atnurturing an environment that respects, protects and promotes the human rights of all Suffolk County residents. The Vigil is open to the public.

Organized by Joselo Lucero, brother of Marcelo, and family and friends, the Vigil will take place Sunday, November 6, 2011, 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., at the St. Francis de Sales R.C. Church Parish Hall, 220 South Ocean Avenue, Patchogue. The Lucero family’s “Culture of Hope and Peace” Vigil will be followed by a procession to the site of Marcelo’s death at the intersection of Railroad Avenue and Unity Place (just north of the LIRR tracks).  Participants will lay flowers at the site and prayers and songs will be offered. 

A press conference will take place at this site at approximately 4:45 p.m.Last March, the Suffolk County Legislature unanimously approved a resolution designating the week of November 5-12, 2011 (and every second week in November in each year thereafter), as “Understanding, Accepting and Respecting Cultural Differences Week” in Remembrance of Marcelo Lucero in Suffolk County.

Representatives of various faith traditions will lead the Vigil’s Unity Prayer. Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri will welcome guests, with music will be provided by Robert Bruey, Jack’s Waterfall and other local musicians. The Culture of Hope and Peace Vigil will remember Marcelo, as well as all other victims of hate crimes. It will serve further to lay the foundation for the continuation of efforts to establish respect and understanding between the diverse groups of people who reside in Suffolk County, including immigrants. Participants may wish to view the traveling exhibit, “Embracing our Differences,” sponsored by the Suffolk Center on the Holocaust, Diversity & Human Understanding, featuring a series of banners that will be on display outside the South Ocean Avenue Middle School the day of the vigil.  

The school is located across the street from the Parish Center.  Among the banners is one in memory of Marcelo Lucero.  Also, three quilts crafted by Patchogue residents in Marcelo’s memory will be hung in the Parish Hall during the vigil.  All are available for loan.