Teddy bears, each representing a victim of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, sit on a wall at a sidewalk memorial, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Newtown, Conn. A gunman walked into Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Friday and opened fire, killing 26 people, including 20 children. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
“Mayors are encouraging their cities to join together in the ringing of church bells at 9:30 a.m. Friday for each of the lives lost in Newtown, Conn. I would like to ask our churches to do the same,” she said.
The idea started in Henry County, where McDonough Mayor Billy Copeland enlisted the help of the Georgia Municipal Association to spread the word.
The plan is for churches to ring their bells 26 times, once for each of the 20 children and six adults killed in the Dec. 14 assault.
McNiece sent a condolence letter Tuesday to the city of Newtown on behalf of the City Commission and Rome citizens. “No words can be said to erase the memory of such a horrific act,” she wrote in the missive addressed to Newtown First Selectman Patricia E. Llodra. “Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you as you begin your journey of healing and recovery.”
A candlelight vigil in Rome is set for today, from 7 to 8 p.m., at Greater Christ Temple Rapture Preparation Holiness Cathedral, 1321 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Also, Miller & Richards Funeral Home is collecting donations and messages of support for the victims’ families. Checks payable to Newtown Rotary Sandy Hook School Fund may be dropped off at 1148 N. Broad St. or 2542 Shorter Ave. People also may sign register books that will be sent to the school.
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