Campaign initiated to establish ‘Terri’s Day’

Detroit, Mich., Mar 15, 2006 / 22:00 pm

An initiative has been launched to establish March 31 as Terri’s Day, an annual national day of remembrance to honor the memory of Terri Schiavo.

The initiative was announced by Schiavo’s father, Bob Schindler, and Kevin Fobbs, president of the National Urban Policy Action Council.

“Terri Schiavo’s legacy has taught us that life is precious and should be protected,” said Fobbs. “We are asking Americans to take a moment of their time to honor Terri’s memory as well as what former Pope John Paul II called the Culture of Life.”

Organizers are seeking up to one million pledges from around the United States and the world in support of establishing this day of remembrance.

The organizers are also asking supporters to pledge that they will obtain a living will, to encourage state officials to establish March 31 as Terri’s Day, to encourage the media to embrace stories that promote the Culture of Life, to support the creation of professional volunteer networks to assist families dealing with disability and neurological issues, and to support the Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation in establishing a neurological health care facility.

The pledge drive will culminate May 12 in Southfield, Mich., with an official ceremony, prayer vigil, and the presentation of a ceremonial pledge sheet to Schiavo’s family and a check of donations.