CLEVELAND, Ohio — Thousands took part in a ‘Circle the City with Love’ event Sunday afternoon to welcome the Republican National Convention to Cleveland.

Participants arrived at about 1 p.m. at the west entrance of the Hope Memorial Bridge. A program followed at 1:45 p.m.

The group then held hands and stood in silence to ‘Circle the City with Love’ on the bridge. The group says it wanted to “stand in silent love and reflection.”

After the demonstration of love on the bridge, all participants are encouraged to attend a ‘Keep the Promise’ free concert at the Wolstein Center at 5 p.m.

The idea for the event originated with Sister Rita Petruziello, of the congregation of St. Joseph.

“By standing in unity and intentional silence, we will embody the power of love that brings peace and justice to our city, our country and our world at this important moment in our city’s history,” she said in a release.

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