Politics & Government

Snellville to Join in Moment of Silence for Newtown Victims

In addition, the bells will toll 26 times at a local church in honor of the children and adults killed on Dec. 14.

According to Mayor Kelly Kautz, Snellville United Methodist Church will ring its bells 26 times in honor of the 20 children and six adults killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School exactly one week after the tragedy occurred.

At 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 21, the city will also hold a moment of silence.  

"In support of our Nation's mourning the loss of life and innocence in Newtown, Conn., the City of Snellville will join with cities across our state and nation in a moment of remembrance," said Kautz. "At this time I ask the citizens of Snellville to observe a moment of silence to remember those whose lives were needlessly taken and to pray for their families, for the survivors and for the nation's youth who have forever been scared by this tragedy." 

Find out what's happening in Gwinnettwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Snellville UMC's Pastor Jim Cantrell said he was "thankful for the opportunity" to participate. 

A similar observance is taking place in Lilburn on Friday.

Find out what's happening in Gwinnettwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Connecticut governor Dannel P. Malloy requested on Tuesday that all states join his homestate in the moment of silence. The day has been declared a "Day of Mourning" in Connecticut

"In the last few days, the outpouring of love and compassion from your state and from around the world has been overwhelming, and the people of Connecticut will be forever grateful," he wrote to fellow governors. "The sense of community that has emerged in the wake of this tragedy should not be lost as we begin to emerge from this national tragedy, and I ask you to join with me and the citizens of Connecticut to remember loved ones lost last Friday."

The flags are still at half staff at City Hall. 

The story originally appeared on Snellville Patch. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here