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Crime & Safety

Windsor Locks Residents Come Together to Honor Newtown Victims

Almost 500 people packed into the Windsor Locks Town Hall.

As people arrived at the Windsor Locks Town Hall Saturday night to honor those who lost their lives in the Newtown shootings on Dec. 14, the mood was expectant and subdued.

It was almost as if people had been waiting for this event to begin their healing process; young and old stood with their ears prone and ready to hear what the community's leaders had to say about the events which unfolded in Sandy Hook more than one week ago.

"Tonight we come to mourn the loss of 26 victims," First Selectman Steve Wawruck said, referring to the six school administrators and teachers and 20 first graders killed at the elementary school. He then began read the names of the children, so many of whom we have become familiar with: "Charlotte Bacon, Daniel Barden, Olivia Engel..."

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"It could've happened anywhere," Wawruck said.

"Josephine Gay, Ana Marquez-Greene, Dylan Hockley...."

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All who came to the event were still emotionally raw. There were many sniffles and tears. Community and religious leaders got up one-by-one to share their own perspectives, hoping they could assist listeners to make sense of the sad events.

"Madeline Hsu, Catherine Hubbard, Chase Kowalski, Jesse Lewis, James Mattioli, Grace McDonnell..."

Rep. Peggy Sayers read a poem by Edgar Guest called "To All Parents." 

"It was nine days ago and we're still numb," Pastor of the Windsor Locks Congregational Church Kevin Flannery said. "We are eager to be consoled," he added as many nodded their heads while others hung their heads.

"Emilie Parker, Jack Pinto, Noah Pozner, Caroline Previdi, Jessica Rekos, Avielle Richman, Benjamin Wheeler and Allison Wyatt."

Several people made it a point to sign the guest book as they arrived. Many wrote personal comments that they hope are shared with the Newtown parents, including "God be with us all" and "Our love is with all of you." 

One person even wrote, "I pray for you everyday."

A passionate Victor Puia, the emergency management director for Windsor Locks, said, "Safety in our schools is the primary reason for our existence," and asked for prayers specifically for the emergency personnel in Windsor Locks.

"... And pray for the volunteers and emergency responders [in Newtown]," he said. "The horror of this will be burned into their memories forever."

As the event came to a close, Puia said, "If it takes a village to raise a child, then it takes a village to protect them."

Click here to read the poem, "To All Parents."

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