White ribbons have been placed on lampposts along SR 13, Syracuse, in memory of the deaths of Joshua Knisley and Tara Thornburg Feb. 19, 2015. This remembrance began thanks to a kind act by the neighbors of Rhonda Bickel, Knisley’s mother. This white ribbon is tied around the lamppost directly in front of Syracuse Town Hall.

SYRACUSE—Beginning Sunday, Feb. 19, one can see white ribbons tied to lampposts lining the streets of SR 13 in Syracuse. These white ribbons were tied around the poles in remembrance of the two year anniversary of the deaths of Joshua Knisley and Tara Thornburg Feb. 19, 2015.

This year Rhonda Bickel, Knisley’s mother, was extremely touched when her neighbors put white ribbons in their trees in memory of her son. The community gathered around the idea and friends went to town hall and requested permission to tie white ribbons on lampposts all along SR 13. Area businesses were also receptive to the idea, allowing white ribbons to be tied to poles in front of their buildings.

These white ribbons hold two meanings for the Syracuse community. One is simply a demonstration of how well a community will come together in the face of tragedy and sorrow. The second is ensuring both Knisley and Thornburg are remembered after their deaths and never forgotten. The white ribbon itself is meant to symbolize justice.

The ribbons will remain up until the end of the week. The entire community is invited to tie white ribbons in their trees to help promote peace after the tragic deaths two years ago.