RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – Governor Bob McDonnell has issued a call for Virginians to join in a moment of silence to commemorate the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting exactly one week after the shootings occurred.
Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy has issued a proclamation declaring this today as a Day of Mourning in Connecticut and called upon all citizens of that state to observe a moment of silence at 9:30 a.m. on Friday.
Governor Malloy has also asked Connecticut places of worship and government buildings, which have the ability, to ring bells 26 times during that moment of silence. Governor McDonnell has also issued a day of mourning proclamation for Dec. 21.
“Our hearts continue to be heavy for all of those in Newtown, Connecticut who are mourning the losses of 26 of their own one week after this senseless tragedy,” Governor McDonnell said. “Last week I spoke with Governor Malloy and pledged Virginia’s support for his state and offered our assistance in any way we could to help. Governor Malloy has invited governors around the nation to join him in calling for a moment of silence at 9:30 a.m. on Friday to commemorate those lost exactly one week earlier. It is a small token of support and solidarity for those grieving in Connecticut, and I am glad to pledge Virginia’s support for this solemn moment. I ask that all citizens of the Commonwealth pause to reflect upon those who were lost during this unconscionable act, and to offer thoughts and prayers to those who lost their lives and for those emergency responders, educators and parents who were directly touched by the events last week. I also encourage all Virginians to recognize Dec. 21 as an official day of mourning as our nation continues to grieve along with the families and citizens of Newtown.”
