The organization “Inspiration Way” is planning to light 409 candles, one for each of former Penn State head coach Joe Paterno’s pre-sanction wins, on Tuesday as part of a vigil to honor the one-year anniversary of the now-polarizing figure’s death, according to The Centre Daily. The event will be held at 7 p.m. ET in front of Inspiration Mural, a piece of art featuring images of many Penn State figures, in downtown State College.
Joe Paterno vigil on Tuesday to mark 1 year after passing
A group plans on holding a candlelight vigil in honor of Joe Paterno’s death.
The painter of the Inspiration Mural, Michael Pilato, is also planning to lay a brick sidewalk in front of the artwork. It will be composed of messages pertaining to Paterno. While the coach’s legacy is still being debated, Pilato is only looking for “positive” messages on the bricks.
One year after Paterno’s death, the good and bad of his legacy are still reverberating. Many fans still choose to honor his accomplishments on the football field and in mentoring young men for over 60 years at Penn State.
Others still look at his involvement in the coverup of Jerry Sandusky’s horrific crimes. The university will continue to feel the effects, as the athletic department deals with massive sanctions. Tom Corbett, the governor of Pennsylvania, is planning to sue the NCAA in federal court in protest of the sanctions, and the $60 million fine in particular.
Whatever people choose to discuss regarding the coach, he will likely remain in the public conscience for a long time. Paterno’s life is well-documented and his memory isn’t likely to fade any time soon.
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