Windham County communities are marking the first anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre on Saturday, Dec. 14, with “Remember Newtown” vigils.
Twenty children and six adults were murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., on Dec. 14, 2012.
Vigil participants will gather to read the “Sandy Hook Promise,” a pledge for people of all political perspectives to work together to reduce the causes and incidences of gun violence in the United States; read the names of those killed; and stand together in silent remembrance.
These vigils, part of a statewide day of remembrance in which more than 20 towns in Vermont will hold vigils to honor the victims, are organized by Gun Sense Vermont (www.gunsensevt.org) and other concerned citizens.
All are welcome and encouraged to participate. Vigils are set for these times and locations:
• Brattleboro - 9:30 a.m.; Pliny Park, the corner of Main and High streets. The group will origami-fold white paper cranes representing the victims and hang them on the park Christmas tree. Brattleboro resident and Gun Sense Vermont lead organizer Ann Braden will speak briefly. For more information, write Kevin O'Keefe at [email protected].
• Guilford - Time to be announced; Guilford Community Church. For more information, write Lise Sparrow at [email protected].
• Newfane - 1:30 p.m.; on the Common in front of the Newfane Congregational Church. For more information, write Rob Hamm at [email protected].
• Putney - 7 p.m.; outside Putney Friends Meeting House. In event of inclement weather, the gathering will be held inside the meeting house. For information, write Mike Mrowicki at [email protected].
• Dummerston - 9:30 a.m.; Dummerston Congregational Church, 1535 Middle Rd., Dummerston Center, on the church steps facing the Common. For more information, write Susanna Griefen at [email protected].