October 7 marked the 15th anniversary of Aaron Kreifels finding Matthew Shepard clinging to life in a field outside Laramie, Wyoming. Tomorrow, October 12, marks 15 years since his untimely death.

Those who don't know his story should see The Laramie Project and its Ten Years Later sequel. You should check out Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine.

If you don't know his legacy you should visit the Matthew Shepard Foundation. You should read the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

But don't forget about James Byrd, Jr.

Kevin Pennington.

Lawrence King.

Luis Ramirez.

They and countless others, names familiar and not, lost their lives at the hands of hate. Their void is ours to fill. We must stand up.

Think. Share. Act.