Monday, December 14, marked the eighth year, to the date, that 20 children and six educators were killed inside Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Ahead of that solemn mark, Governor Ned Lamont last week issued a proclamation that ordered flags lowered across the state, while also noting the loss that led to the lowering of flags.

“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,” Lamont said December 10.

Lt Governor Susan Bysiewicz also issued a statement, saying, “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.

“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,” she added.

First Selectman Dan Rosenthal also provided a statement last week to The Newtown Bee, saying, “It’s hard to believe that 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.

“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. May the power of love and community continue to guide us to help bring peace and comfort to the families.”

Monday morning, politicians representing Newtown and Connecticut also issued statements.

US Senator Richard Blumenthal said the painful day would be marked “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,” he also stated.

“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:

“Today, on December 14, 2020, we must still pause for a few moments to remember those students and staff who were lost that day eight 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 would 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.”

From Attorney General William Tong, these words were received:

“Today marks eight years since the senseless loss of 26 beautiful souls at Sandy Hook Elementary School. I remember exactly where I was that day when I heard the news, at a local meeting on Brookdale Road in Stamford, and the utter confusion and disbelief the people in that meeting shared as we watched the news unfold on TV.

“The pain and heartbreak of that day has never dulled and I have not forgotten the victims and their families. We honor them today with love, kindness and by committing to commonsense reforms that will ensure no more innocent lives are claimed and no family has to endure the grief of losing a loved one to gun violence. Today, I will hold my loved ones closer and say a prayer for the families who don’t have that chance anymore.”