12/14 — Ten Years Later: A Pledge to Remember and a Commitment to Continued Action
The Sandy Hook Shooting occurred exactly ten years ago. I remember being at my desk in Redding and working on a project for university when I heard the news. I was shocked to my core when I saw reports coming across my Twitter feed shortly before 10 am. I looked out of my window, and just see the barren tree, void of all leaves, and just sat there extremely upset.
12/14 is a day our State will never forget. Each year while we remember the 26 souls who were unjustly taken from us. On this day, the tenth anniversary, we must pledge to each to continue to support one another and lift each other up in compassion and love and never forget. Newtown is inherently a compassionate community, a town that is thoughtful and caring when it comes to solving problems. As somebody who has worked for the town, every time I am here, I am reminded that Newtown is inherently a special place.
The State is scarred. A scar is always there trying to fully heal, but like any scar, it will never fully heal. Connecticut will always hold 12/14 up in a day of reverence and remembrance. The actions we take to try to heal our wounds, will never fully heal.
Every time there is a senseless death caused by gun violence, people rally and look for solutions. As we take a moment to pause and reflect let’s regroup and re-commitment ourselves to solving one of the major issues of our time.
In times of pain and healing, we turn to faith to help guide us during times of trouble. I am reminded of two religious scriptures which bookend this decade quite well. Ecclesiastes 3:1–8: There is a Time for Everything and Lech Lecha: Go Forth (and be a Blessing).
