Community Corner

Despite Snow, Crowd Gathers to Support Newtown

Residents of Wilmington, Mass., came together to hold a candle light vigil on Saturday night in honor of those who lost their lives in the Sandy Hook shooting.


It’s been more than two weeks since 26 students and educators were fatally shot inside Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. But hundreds of miles away in Wilmington on Saturday night, residents showed that the victims are still on their minds.

Despite this weekend’s snowstorm, about 35 people came to Town Common for a candle light vigil to honor those who lost their lives during one of the worst tragedies in American history.

“It was a wonderful, peaceful evening with the snow falling and candles lit,” said event organizer Stacie Murphy. “I am so thankful for the people who came out to the vigil.”

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The event began with brief remarks before Wilmington High School graduate Lauren Azevedo sang the song Pray.

Next, a group of volunteers read the names of every victim before the crowd took part in a two minute moment of silence.

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Murphy then read a poem called Little Angels before offering her closing remarks.

“Thank you for coming out tonight,” said Murphy to the crowd. “We love you Newtown and we’re so sorry. You’re in our thoughts and prayers forever. May God bring light on your town.”

According to Murphy, the town’s support for Newtown didn’t end when the vigil was over.

Murphy started the Facebook page Wilmington, MA, Supports Newtown, CT, and said she will have other plans in the works to honor the lives lost.

“We as a community cannot forget Newtown,” said Murphy. “And I plan on doing more for them.”


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