Trail of Truth memorial cemetery this weekend

BINGHAMTON, NY (WIVT/WBGH) – Hundreds of tombstones and chalk outlines will line downtown Binghamton, to memorialize those who have lost their lives to substance use.

This Saturday, Truth Pharm is hosting its annual Trail of Truth ceremony, to honor the families who have been impacted by substance use related trauma.

During the event, there will be a memorial cemetery for those who have died, where attendees march to government plaza while holding their loved one’s tombstone.

Then, people will lay down and outline their bodies with chalk, the represent the lives lost.

The event liaison at Truth Pharm, Madelyn Robinson says the demonstrations bring the event to life and make it more impactful.

“Due to our live performance art piece, where families are being traced, their bodies are being traced, everybody is very involved in it and its very interactive. It’s not just something that you go to watch, it’s something that you go and you participate in. So, it’s very powerful in that way,” says Robinson.

Robinson lost her mother to substance use last year.

Since then, she started her own non-profit called The Tomorrow Mission.

She says the event will begin in front of the courthouse, to draw as many eyes as possible, and to spread awareness of the overdose epidemic.

She says the event is a place for families to grieve together, and to know that they aren’t alone.

“These aren’t just cardboard tombstones, these are loved ones that we’ve lost. It’s like breathtaking when you see it. And it’s important that our community is a supportive and loving place where people can feel open to talk about things, and where we can reduce the stigma surrounding substance use and overdose,” says Robinson.

She says that people will be coming to Binghamton from all across the state.

The event will run from 2 to 7 p.m.

Robinson says there are events all across the country, generally following major political events like the Republican National Convention, and the upcoming Democratic Convention.

For a full list of Trail of Truth events, visit TrailofTruth.org .

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