May 20, 2019
Sunday evening, I attended the burning of the Temple of Time which was constructed as a healing project for victims of the MSD shooting. Over the several months of the Temple’s existence, thousands of people came to pay their respects, leave messages, and drawings and other items. Last night, there were hundreds of people on hand to watch the Coral Springs and Parkland Fire Departments set fire to burn the Temple down. It was quite a moving experience. (Photos credit Dr. Joel Kimmel)
Despite the customary speeches from city officials, people came with chairs, drinks, their children, bicycles, and cameras to record this significant event. People were friendly and some were crying. At a specified time, the firemen surrounded the Temple ignited the flames and very quickly the structure went up in fire. Sparks flew up and into the sky and were quickly watered down by the firemen. The burn was very controlled although the heat and smell of the smoke covered us all.
Emotionally, I am sure that the burning helped some people to let go of their grief. Artistically, it was a very different kind of event. For others, it was a very unique experience, never to be forgotten.
