Vigil Held In Philadelphia To Mourn Victims Of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17
By Dan Wing
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A group of people gathered in Center City Philadelphia Friday night to hold a vigil for the victims of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, and to call for Russian leader Vladimir Putin to be held accountable for lying to world leaders.
Gathered under the Ukrainian Flag at 17th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the majority of the group was of Ukrainian decent, and took turns speaking out for the victims while also calling for peace in Ukraine. Holding signs that compared Vladimir Putin to Hitler and Osama bin Laden, many at the vigil, like Marta from Allentown, believe the forces that took down the plane were working under Russian orders and using Russian weapons.
"The people themselves are very docile, very quiet. They just want peace. But these terrorists have just taken over," Marta said.
And while it was a terrible tragedy, some like Paul are hoping some good will come from it.
"It's a very unfortunate, lucky break. Unfortunate because people had to die, people had to perish. But it was lucky break because now it brings further attention on the crisis in Ukraine. I hope no one else has to die, and I hope that the result of this is that the world comes together and puts a stop to it," Paul said.
The group had gathered to honor the victims of Flight 17. Katherin felt the need to speak out for the innocent people that can't speak out for themselves.
"The biggest thing for me was the innocence of the lives lost. They had nothing in any way, shape, or form to do with the issues in Ukraine," Katherin said.
To honor those victims, the group held a moment of silence, lit candles and placed flags at the base of the Ukrainian flag.
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