HARTFORD, Conn. — Gov. Ned Lamont has announced he is directing all U.S. and Connecticut flags to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, Dec. 14 to remember the 26 lives that were lost during the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown in 2012.
Twenty children and six adults were killed during the massacre, carried out by a lone gunman.
It’s been a dozen years since the day that will be forever frozen in the minds of all Connecticut residents who can remember it. On Friday, Lamont described Dec. 12, 2012, as one of the most horrific and heartbreaking events in the history of the state.
“We owe it to all we lost, as well as their families and loved ones, to keep their memory alive by rededicating ourselves to being sources of love, healing, joy and humanity, not just on this anniversary but every day,” Lamont said.
Lamont added that he continues to pray for the survivors as well as the family members and friends of those who were lost. He hopes they are blessed with peace and love.
“Our hearts will forever be with the 20 gentle young children and six courageous and devoted educators we lost on this day,” Lamont concluded.
Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz also weighed in, saying that the state will never forget the lives of those who were lost in the senseless attack.
“Even 12 years later, the weight of heartbreak and grief still lingers with us,” she said. “As we mark another anniversary, let us take a moment to remember the legacy of those lives lost and commit to acts of kindness, generosity and love in their memory. To the loved ones and the community, I wish comfort and peace and continue to keep you in my prayers.”
On Saturday, all flags at the Connecticut State Capitol building and all other state-operated buildings, facilities and properties statewide will be at half-staff.
Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities and any other private entities and government subdivisions are also encouraged to comply with the directive.
No flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, so all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate or otherwise, should also be lowered.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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