For today’s [Monday, December 14] third anniversary of the Sandy Hook elementary school shooting, flags flew at half staff in Newtown, Connecticut to quietly pay respects to the 26 people killed.
The faith leaders of Newtown also plan to light candles and pray with the grievers of the community during a service tonight, according to the Newtown Congregational Church.
The memorial services of the 20 first-graders and six educators killed are being held to honor their memory. The shooter was identified as 20-year-old Adam Lanza. According to the Hartford Courant, this is the first year Newtown schools have been open on the day of the anniversary.
“Today, our thoughts are with the families, first responders and the Newtown community—those who, despite their broken hearts, live each day as an inspiration to us all,” Connecticut Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty said in a statement. “We reflect on the resiliency of a community that has sparked a growing movement of people all across the country, Americans from big cities and small towns, united in an unending resolve and unceasing commitment to saving lives.”
Lanza killed his mother, who was in their Newtown home, before heading to Sandy Hook elementary and then killing himself before police could apprehend him. Both the house and the elementary school where the shooting occurred have been torn down.
