Elected officials and community members gathered at the Charles E. Shelton Memorial in Smothers Park on Sunday afternoon for a rally organized by the Daviess County Republican Party, calling for “peace, prayer, and unity in the wake of recent political violence across the nation.”
Republican Party Chair Jesse Hagan told the crowd that the answer to unrest cannot be found in politics, but rather in faith.
“Turn off the news and open your Bible,” Hagan said. “Our answer for the kind of evil we’ve seen is not politics. It’s not a good argument. It’s not civil discourse. There’s only one answer, and it’s Jesus Christ.”
The event, titled “Stand for Peace,” included prayers from local pastors, speeches from elected officials, and songs from community members.
Sheriff Brad Youngman said gatherings like Sunday’s are needed in communities across the country.
“I think this event is important because things have just gotten too far,” Youngman said. “It doesn’t matter what your political beliefs are — we should always be able to talk about things and work them out. You can disagree with your neighbor, but you definitely need to be able to talk to them and have mutual respect.”
Daviess County Judge-Executive Charlie Castlen echoed that sentiment.
“We’re in a critical place in our nation, and we’ve got to start showing respect to one another,” Castlen said. “We can’t live in a place where we hate one another.”
State Sen. Gary Boswell said the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk underscored the need for healing.
“I think we all want the same thing. We want to live peaceably amongst each other, and this is a very difficult time in our country,” Boswell said. “We just need to continue to pray for our nation and try to move forward from here. I’m happy to see this many people turn out today, not only in honor of Charlie Kirk, but for the general principle of trying to get along.”
Jailer Art Maglinger also told the crowd that he hoped the rally would spark renewed commitment to peace.
“We need to continue to pray for our nation and move forward,” Maglinger said. “I’m glad to see so many people here who want to live peaceably amongst each other.”
State Rep. Suzanne Miles spoke about resilience and hope, comparing the nation to “disturbed soil” where poppies still thrive.
“It’s important for us to recognize that in disturbed soil we need to thrive,” Miles said. “We need not stumble. We need to focus on God, listen to, and love our neighbor. Put down your phone and pick up your Bible; it’s really important to do that right now.
Miles closed by asking Cathy Mullins to lead the crowd in the hymn “His Eye Is on the Sparrow,” which she said served as a reminder of the value of every individual. Mullins also sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Organizers said they hoped the event would serve as a reminder that, despite political differences, unity is still possible.
