At the direction of Governor Ned Lamont, flags are being lowered today to remember the 26 children and women killed at Sandy Hook School eight years ago, on December 14, 2012.

Hook & Ladder firefighters were on Main Street this morning, lowering the town’s landmark flag.

Trinity Episcopal Church will rings its bells at 9 am.

The governor last week reminded state residents of the approaching flag lowering. On Thursday, December 10, Lamont issued a proclamation directing US and State of Connecticut flags to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Monday, December 14.

Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the US flag, all other flags — including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise — should also be lowered during this same duration of time.

“The memories of the twenty young children and six educators whose lives were tragically taken on that horrible morning eight years ago will forever remain in our hearts,” Gov Lamont said. “We can continue to honor them by performing acts of kindness, love, and humanity that brighten the lives of others and bring comfort to our community.”

“Our hearts are heavy today as we mark eight years since 20 beautiful children – Charlotte, Daniel, Olivia, Josephine, Ana, Dylan, Madeleine, Catherine, Chase, Jesse, James, Grace, Emilie, Jack, Noah, Caroline, Jessica, Benjamin, Avielle, and Allison – and six courageous adults – Dawn, Mary, Vicki, Lauren, Rachel, and Anne Marie – were taken from us all too soon,” Lt Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “In the hours, days, and months that followed one of the most tragic days in our history, we saw an unprecedented outpouring of kindness and hope from millions of people across the state and country that showed only light and love can drive out darkness and hate. We must continue to protect the core values of humankind – love and unity – and ensure these principles serve as our guidepost for every facet of our lives. Newtown, my heart is with you today and always."

Newtown First Selectman Dan Rosenthal also spoke to the community last week, saying that like many others, it was difficult to believe it has been eight years "since that awful day."

“We will never forget December 14th and the 26 beautiful souls who were cruelly taken. They will always be in our hearts and at the forefront of our minds," Rosenthal told The Newtown Bee.

“Let us also remember that every day is hard for the families that lost so much and their pain is not marked in years, but in every second that has passed,” the first selectman added. “May the power of love and community continue to guide us to help bring peace and comfort to the families.”

Interfaith Gathering

Readers are also reminded that Newtown Interfaith Council will be offering an annual gathering to remembers those who died, and to continue offering comfort to those who are healing.

Due to the pandemic, this year’s event is being offered online. It is scheduled for 7 pm, December 14, and will be released through Newtown Congregational Church's Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Faith leaders from various Newtown religious communities will guide the community by reading from their sacred texts and offering prayers, as well as allowing for times of individual reflection.

Newtown Interfaith Council members recognize that even while many people must remain physically apart, there is a great need for the community to find ways to remain spiritually and emotionally connected during this time of year. All are welcome.

Prayer Options

Additionally, the sanctuary of Newtown United Methodist Church, 92 Church Hill Road, will be open for prayer and silent reflection on Monday from 9 am until 3 pm.

St Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church, 46 Church Hill Road, will host regular Mass at 6:45 and 9 am on Monday. Both of those services will be livestreamed.

The sanctuary will be open all day for private prayer, meditation, and lighting a candle in remembrance.

A Mass planned for 7:30 pm will be private, but livestreamed. Visit strosechurch.com for viewing details.

Statements

US Senator Richard Blumenthal issued the following statement on Monday morning:

“We mark this painful anniversary with renewed resolve — to honor beautiful lives lost with positive action, and redouble efforts against gun violence under a new administration. Eight years have passed since our nation experienced this unspeakable act of violence, the pain and grief have not and will never diminish with time. I am in constant awe of the strength and fortitude of the families of the victims — and the thousands of others who suffer such pain each day.

“In honor of the memory of those we have lost, our nation must commit itself in the coming year to commonsense gun reform measures. Measures that Congress inexcusably has refused to pass, despite pleas of families from Sandy Hook, Guilford, Parkland, Orlando, Littleton, Las Vegas, and the countless communities that are impacted by acts of gun violence across our nation.

“Each time I meet with a family that has lost a loved one, my resolve strengthens. I will not stop fighting for them until the scourge of gun deaths ends.”

US Senator Chris Murphy also released a statement on Monday, saying:

“It’s hard to describe the grief I feel today. Eight years after the tragic day, I’m reminded how important it is to hold your loved ones closer and to be kinder to the people around you.

“But where there’s grief, there’s hope. I carry the memory of those children with me every day as I fight in Congress to change our country’s broken gun laws. I continue to be inspired by the advocates in Newtown and across this country who won’t stop fighting to make this world a gentler, safer place for our children and our communities.

“On this day, I encourage everyone to take time to do an act of kindness in their communities," he continued. "The arc of our fight to change the status quo is long, but the progress we have made over the years shows the growing strength of our movement. The advocates of change are so powerful in their cause that they won’t take no for an answer.”

State Senator Tony Hwang, whose district includes Newtown and Sandy Hook, issued the following statement Monday morning:

“Today on December 14, 2020, we must still pause for a few moments to remember those students and staff who were lost that day 8 years ago and reach out and support those family and friends they left behind.

“I want to offer my gratitude, respect and support to all members of the Newtown and Sandy Hook communities who continue to heal from the emotionally traumatic impact of that unspeakable act of evil against humanity.

“It is important to recognize the Newtown community that is so full of kindness and caring, where so much good is being done in honor of those precious lives lost that day. Each day is a testament to the indefatigable spirit of Newtown’s resilient residents to be kind and strive to make a positive difference in people’s lives to honor those lost that day.”

Hwang said he will follow the suggestion of former Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra and Monsignor Robert Weiss, pastor of St Rose of Lima Church, who in the past both suggested “to remember and honor those who lost their lives in the Sandy Hook tragedy in ways that are quiet, personal and respectful — centered on themes of kindness, love and service to others.”

Congresswoman Jahana Hayes also made a statement:

“Eight years removed, the pain and scars of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting have never left us. Today, we take time to pause and remember the 20 innocent children and 6 selfless educators whose lives were taken that day.

“As a mother and educator, I cannot imagine losing my children, a student, or colleague in such a way. Those parents, siblings, and family members, who lost a loved one remind me to persevere and keep faith. Today we honor, remember, and reflect - tomorrow we get back to work ensuring our schools and communities remain safe.

“My heart is with the Newtown community, today and every day. We are Connecticut strong.”