NEWTOWN -- In a quiet hallway in Newtown Municipal Center is a place to reflect and remember the 26 beautiful lives taken at Sandy Hook Elementary School five years ago.
The families that experienced immense loss on December 14, 2012 helped put together a temporary exhibit with pictures of their loved ones.
The display includes pictures of the victims with a note that reads in part, “The gallery is a small effort to say we remember and we will never forget."
First Selectman Daniel C. Rosenthal said in a statement, “A welcome message advises community and staff who pass through the halls of the Municipal Center to take a moment to be reflective, to recollect and remember in kindness and love those children and adults who died that day."
On Thursday, all town offices, departments and agencies closed for a brief period of silence in honor and remembrance of the victims.
Rosenthal said an interfaith service will be held at Trinity Church for the community at 7 p.m. A mass will be held at St. Rose Church at 7:30 p.m.
The pictures will stay on display at 3 Primrose Street until end of the business week.
The Farmington Valley League of Light will lead a community vigil for the victims of gun violence. Friends and neighbors will stand together in the light, gathering in the sanctuary of the Avon Congregational Church, Route 44, Avon, at 6:30 p.m. Clergy from many faiths will lead a reading of the names of Sandy Hook victims, and hold a candle-lighting ceremony and a silent commemoration.
Friends, family, and local community partners will gather on Thursday at 6:30 p.m., at the Stratford Town Hall steps to remember and pay respect to the lives lost on Dec. 14, 2012, and all who have been affected by violence. The 5th anniversary candlelight vigil will feature music, prayer, and remembrances. Attendees are asked to bring new hats, scarves, mittens, and gloves to be donated to those in need.
On Friday, Congregation Adath Israel will hold its annual memorial service honoring those killedduring its Friday evening Shabbat service. The service will begin at 7:30. Members of the community along with residents of neighboring communities are invited to join together to mourn the terrible loss and to remember the day that forever changed the lives of so many people. The chanting of El Malei (the Mourner’s Prayer) and other memorial readings will be part of the service. There will also be a reading of the names of all who lost their lives that day. Attendees will rise as a community and recite the Mourners Kaddish together. A traditional Oneg, with refreshments, will follow the service which honors the Sabbath. The synagogue is at 115 Huntingtown Road. For additional information, call 203-426-5188.