Kids & Family

Why Are Residents Hanging White Bows Around Dublin?

Members of the community will be working their way through town tonight hanging the bows to spread a message of peace and hope.

You may have seen them last year. 600 white bows appeared, seemingly overnight, tied to trees, light posts and mailboxes around Dublin. The bows are back a year later, thanks to the organizing efforts of Dublin resident Colleen Pearson and donations from community groups and residents from all around town. 

[Related article: White Ribbons for Peace and Hope]

According to Pearson, the bows are meant to visually spread a message of "peace for today, hope for tomorrow" to everyone in the community. Pearson says the bows will be hung along Dublin Blvd. starting at Tassajara all the way to Village Parkway, down Village Parkway and ending at Dublin High School. 

A year ago, Dublin mourned the sudden loss of Dublin High School graduate Steven Starrett, which prompted the appearance of the original white bows. Twelve months later, 800 new bows will symbolize not only peace and hope but also a tightly-knit community.

"Even in an 'All-American city' youth struggles," Pearson said. "This is a non-verbal way of showing support for all children in our community."

In September, Pearson arranged for the glow of luminaries placed all over town for nine nights in honor of 9-year-old Sirous Sadaghiani who lost his battle with cancer.

[Related article: Dublin Says Goodbye to Sirous Sadaghiani with Luminaries]

The Dublin Rotary provided $300 in grant money towards the White Ribbons for Peace and Hope project. Dublin Integrity in Action and several other families in the community sponsored the purchases of the bows. Pearson says soldiers from Camp Parks will be joining in to help hang the bows.

Volunteers are invited to help hang bows tonight. Pearson asks volunteers to meet at the Dublin City Hall at 4:30 p.m. Volunteers are asked wear good walking shoes, to bring a flashlight and a bag for bows.

Once you spot the bows, share your pictures of them by posting them in the free announcements section on the site.


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