Greg Kirkham quotes Robert F. Kennedy and urges unity at Stratford America 250 event

At Stratford’s America 250 celebration, Greg Kirkham recited a passage from Robert F. Kennedy’s April 4, 1968, Indianapolis speech and called on listeners to favor unity and compassion over division. He identified himself to the audience as a member of Stratford’s Patriot Voices.

Kirkham opened by citing the ancient Greek playwright Aeschylus and then recited Kennedy’s words: "Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls by drop upon the heart, until in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God." He followed with Kennedy’s appeal that "what we need in the United States is not division...not hatred...not violence and lawlessness, but ... love and wisdom and compassion." Kirkham presented the excerpt as a call for justice "toward those who still suffer within our country, whether they be white or whether they be black."

Kirkham closed the short address by introducing himself: "My name is Greg Kirkham, and I'm proud to be one of Stratford's Patriot Voices celebrating America 250." The remarks were presented as part of the event program and did not include a formal motion, vote or further debate.

The reading placed emphasis on civic unity and compassion; no policy proposals or official actions were offered during the brief remarks.