Locals will observe a moment of silence today at 9:30 to commemorate the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut a week ago.
Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell issued a call Thursday for Virginians to join in a moment of silence after Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy issued a proclamation declaring Friday as a Day of Mourning in that state and urged all citizens to observe a moment of silence at 9:30 a.m.
Hometown Radio, 92.3FM The Tide and 107.9 BACHfm, will participate, airing the ringing of the bells at the Sir Christopher Wren Building on the William & Mary campus. The bells will toll 26 times at 9:30 a.m., once for each victim of the Sandy Hook shooting.
“Our hearts continue to be heavy for all of those in Newtown, Connecticut who are mourning the losses of 26 of their own one week after this senseless tragedy,” Governor McDonnell said. “Last week I spoke with Governor Malloy and pledged Virginia’s support for his state and offered our assistance in any way we could to help. Governor Malloy has invited governors around the nation to join him in calling for a moment of silence at 9:30 a.m. on Friday to commemorate those lost exactly one week earlier. It is a small token of support and solidarity for those grieving in Connecticut, and I am glad to pledge Virginia’s support for this solemn moment. I ask that all citizens of the Commonwealth pause to reflect upon those who were lost during this unconscionable act, and to offer thoughts and prayers to those who lost their lives and for those emergency responders, educators and parents who were directly touched by the events last week. I also encourage all Virginians to recognize Dec. 21 as an official day of mourning as our nation continues to grieve along with the families and citizens of Newtown.”
The governor’s proclamation about this moment of silence can be found by clicking here.
