America is still mourning the senseless violence that occurred earlier this week after a school shooting in Parkland, Florida left 17 dead. It hit home for the Miami Heat organization, which is located just miles away from the school. Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade expressed the organization's support for the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students during a pre-game speech Saturday night at American Airlines Arena.
"Tonight, we honor the 17 lives that were tragically lost in Parkland," Wade said. "We applaud the fearless students that are fighting for their lives. And we also make sure that their voices are heard around gun safety. You are our nation's inspiration. We salute you, and we support you" Wade said.
Saturday night's game against the Memphis Grizzlies was the Heat's first game in Miami since the Feb. 14 shooting.
Wade also spoke on the tragedy on Wednesday, the day the shooting occurred.
"Anytime something like that happens anywhere in the world, it's sad," Wade told The Sun Sentinel. "... I think as a parent, you always fear for your kids leaving the house, period. But one of the safest places is school. So it's very unfortunate."
The Heat will wear "MSD" patches on their jerseys for the remainder of the season in remembrance of the 17 victims who died in the shooting.
Source: bleacherreport.com
