A lantern vigil by more than 100 late Wednesday saluted International Overdose Awareness Day and served as a reminder that the fight to take back the streets of Tamaqua is moving forward.

"We'll show each other there's love and support," said keynote speaker Travis Snyder, who is in recovery from addiction.Snyder led the group in prayer and meditation, urging everyone to "get behind people in your community who are in recovery and in honor of those we lost. Let this moment bring hope into our hearts."Snyder acknowledged that the drug problem isn't only a Tamaqua problem. It's everywhere, he said, but in Tamaqua, there's a movement to try to do something about it.Those taking part represented a cross-section of the community.Attendees such as Mary Meredith and Sandy Waidell said it was important to them to show support for a cause that means a great deal to the town and area.The same sentiment was felt by participants Mike Hromyak and Cathy Miorelli, both of whom are associated with Tamaqua Area High School and routinely interact with the youth of the community.The vigil, held at the former CVS Pharmacy building at the east end of town, was another event sponsored by Safer Streets for Tamaqua's Little Feets with a goal to light up the night and take back the streets of Tamaqua.The group's first major event was a candlelight walk on July 30, with close to 300 turning out in part to remember loved ones lost to addiction, but also to turn that grief into positive action."We'll be holding another walk next year," said organizer John Sienkiewicz of Tamaqua. He and wife Tammy lost 23-year-old daughter Alexandria, "Alex," in April. She is one of some 50 drug deaths in Schuylkill County so far this year.In August, volunteers of the group painted and cleaned a South Ward pocket park located at Hunter and Spruce streets, a spot where drug dealing or drug use was suspected.The group, a 501(c)3, was launched in response to the increasing number of drug overdose deaths in the area and raising awareness of the problem, along with helping those trapped in grips of drug use.It was noted the lanterns used at the event are biodegradable and do not pose a health risk to wildlife.