Mukilteo Beacon - Your Hometown News Source

Mukilteo's fifth annual Peace Rally drew a small but passionate crowd.

Organized by the Islamic Center of Mukilteo, the rally sought to bring awareness to mental health, drug abuse, firearms safety, and social justice issues. Supporters with signs marched from Endeavor Elementary School to Pointe of Grace Church Saturday, April 10.

Councilmember Joe Marine wanted to spotlight the mental health crisis facing society, which he said is often associated with drug addiction.

A couple of decades ago the approach to mental health changed with the closing of many mental health facilities, Marine said.

"We're just not being compassionate in allowing people to live on the streets," he said.

Marine advocated finding ways to help the mentally ill.

"One of the reasons I wanted to be out here is to raise awareness of those with mental illness and to get them the help they need and not just be abandoned," he said.

Fellow Councilmember Louis Harris came out to urge society to right the wrongs of the past.

David Pan

A Peace Rally supporter with signs.

"That means being more inclusive, recognizing the pain and the hurt that people go through, and addressing those things," he said.

Snohomish County Councilmember Megan Dunn, who represents Mukilteo, Everett and Tualip, attended to show her support.

"I saw that it (rally) was about gun violence, mental health, substance abuse, and just coming together as one," she said. "I'm really proud to be here and to support you guys in any way, and to stand side by side."

Islamic Center of Mukilteo President and Councilmember Riaz Khan told supporters he appreciated their attendance. He told them six or seven years ago he was at an airport in New York, and was praying alone at the counter. He opened his eyes to find himself surrounded by other people. "We are here to support each other," Khan said.