Report by Paula Antolini, December 14, 2018, 7:24AM EDT
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that he is directing U.S. and State of Connecticut flags to remain flying at half-staff on Friday, December 14, 2018, in remembrance of the 20 children and 6 adults who were killed six years ago in the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.
Flags are also currently flying at half-staff for a 30-day period in honor of President George H.W. Bush, who passed away on November 30. They should remain lowered throughout the duration of this period.
Governor Malloy said, “The unthinkable tragedy that occurred on this day will forever have an impact – not only here in Connecticut, but throughout the entire nation. The heartache we feel for those who lives were taken all too soon will never leave, and our sympathy for each and every family member who lost a loved one will forever remain. I think about these innocent, young children and generous, kindhearted educators every single day. I will always keep them in my prayers.
“Too often we focus on what divides us as people instead of what binds us as human beings. In the wake of this horrific tragedy, we witnessed first-hand an infinite flood of love pour into this small southwestern Connecticut community from all around the world. And in the aftermath of subsequent and all-too-frequent senseless acts of gun violence that have plagued communities across America, it is ever more critical that this expression of compassion and humanity for one another endure.”
Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said, “Six years ago we mourned the senseless deaths of 20 children and 6 adults in one of the most horrific mass shootings in our nation’s history. I am in awe of the strength of their families, who have turned their unimaginable grief into action, working every day so that no other family feels the pain of losing a loved one to gun violence. My thoughts and prayers are with them every day, and especially today, as we remember those 26 angels of Newtown.”
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