To the Editor:

On this, the 14th day of December, people continue to come together to commemorate that terrible event of seven years past, when the school of Sandy Hook, Newtown, and the entire country witnessed the senseless killing of 26 innocent friends.

People have held these teachers, students, and school staff in mind and heart, in a rich variety of ways. Having just returned from one most beautiful celebration, commemorating such: the sensitive and all embracing spirit of the annual Newtown Interfaith Council’s service, held at the Newtown Congregational Church. Thanks to the many in attendance, including clergy from Judaism, Islam, Bahai, and a variety of Christian traditions, I feel a sense of peace and hope for Newtown’s future. Prayers, hymns, and inspired songs and readings, the lighting of candles and the ringing of bells, while each honorees’ names were, gently, read — all in a respectful and peaceful quiet.

However one chooses to remember this day in future years, I encourage all to retain the spirit of love and peace that cries out to all of our nation: we remember; we are blest; we will see our loved ones again.

Rev Leo McIlrath, Chaplain

The Lutheran Home of Southbury

13 Sugarloaf Road, Sandy Hook December 14, 2019