All Five Living Wyoming Governors attended Sen. Lester Hunt's 70th Anniversary Remembrance
Cheyenne— On Wednesday, June 19th, the 70th anniversary of Senator Lester Hunt’s death by suicide, two events commemorating the senator were held in Cheyenne. At 10 AM, people convened at the Wyoming State Capitol to view Lester Hunt’s official portrait from his time as Wyoming’s governor. There was a presentation about Hunt’s life story, information about suicide prevention resources, and a time of reflection.
At 1:30, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church was the scene for a healing service commemorating Senator Hunt. The suicide liturgy was inspired by a service written by Dr. Bernadine Craft, a former Wyoming senator and an Episcopal priest. Governor Mark Gordon spoke, reading a governor’s proclamation remembering Senator Hunt and extolling the lessons that can be drawn from his tragic death.
Further events are planned as Wyoming commemorates the memory and lifts up the lessons of Senator Lester Hunt.
From left: Reverend Christian P. Basel, Governor Dave Freudenthal, current Governor Mark Gordon, Governor Mike Sullivan, Governor Matt Mead, and Governor Jim Gehringer.
Wyoming Senator Cale Case tells the story of Senator Lester Hunt in the Wyoming State Capitol Rotunda.
“We begin the journey back by bringing this portrait here and welcoming all of you to this space. Now, it is very important that we use this opportunity to be civil to each other in government and in our individual affairs and learn to prevent suicide.”
U.S. Senator Lester Hunt 70th Anniversary Day of Remembrance was proclaimed by Governor Mark Gordon.
Wyoming Department of Health Director Stefan Johansson discusses suicide prevention.