ENGLEWOOD — Pink was palpable Saturday morning in the First Plymouth Congregational Church.
The bright color worn by about 300 community members who gathered to stand in support with Planned Parenthood echoed the energy in the room: vibrant and strong.
The varying hues enveloped the Colorado Springs Planned Parenthood staff members who endured an attack in their clinic that left .
Ingrid Fedge and Ralph Walters embraced each other in their matching pink camouflage pants and pink shirts, shoes, socks and jackets.
“I’m sad we have to be here, but I’m proud to be here,” Walters said, sharing the sentiment of most in the room.
As a reminder of recent violence, the location of the event was reserved only for the statewide staff, patients and supporters who pre- registered. Police flanked the entrances to the church.
Some of the Colorado Springs facility’s staff sat in the first few rows of the church and received a standing ovation when recognized.
“They showed extraordinary courage in the face of what they went through,” said Vicki Cowart, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains. “Their actions saved many lives.”
Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards, who attended the Denver-area event, added that it was staff training and “equipment” within the Colorado Springs facility as well as law enforcement that ensured more lives were not lost in the shooting.
The event was one of more than 50 across the country dedicated to standing in solidarity with Planned Parenthood. President Barack Obama sent a letter Saturday to all the event coordinators expressing heartbreak at the deaths in Colorado Springs and praising the group for standing together.
“Too often these terrible acts seek to generate fear. That’s why today is so important — it’s an affirmation that we are not afraid. It’s an affirmation that we stand together against violence that seeks to divide us and to undermine the ideals that make America great,” Obama wrote.
“No woman, no American, should fear violence or intimidation when seeking health care, or assisting others in obtaining treatment. We are a people who stand up for the rights of women to make their own decisions about their health.”
As Richards read aloud the names of victims , the stark silence was interrupted only by soft cries and cooing babies.
“We have to say their names,” Richards said. “We cannot let them be forgotten.”
While the event was intended to honor victims, it also was to unite against hateful rhetoric and words directed toward Planned Parenthood, its staff and patients.
“Just days after the tragedy, protesters across town screamed with greater intensity and taunted us about the attacks,” Cowart said. “We will not be intimidated. We will not accept this.”
While Cowart said she understands some disagree with the organization that provides services such as sexually transmitted infection screenings, access to birth control, cancer screenings and abortion services, she said there are ways to engage in discussions and political processes that do not encourage violence and vitriol.
Further investigation into the shooting revealed that the attack was likely politically motivated, with law enforcement sources claiming the after he was in custody.
While the Colorado Springs clinic remains a crime scene, Cowart said as soon as it’s done being investigated, they will rebuild.
“These doors and our hearts stay open,” she said.
Mary Bogus’ hot pink skirt could be spotted gliding through the church as she hugged friends and former colleagues.
The Denver resident and former Planned Parenthood employee said she was there to show solidarity.
“We shouldn’t have to have a vigil because women were trying to access basic health care,” she said.
Elizabeth Hernandez: 303-954-1223, ehernandez@denver- post.com or @ehernandez
