Community Corner

Newtown Foundation, NAA Plan Dec. 12 D.C. Vigil

The vigil will take place at the National Cathedral to "set a tone of somber remembrance."

By Davis Dunavin

Two days before the one-year anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, the Newtown Foundation and advocacy group Newtown Action Alliance will hold a "vigil service of mourning and remembrance" in the nation's capital for victims of gun violence, according to a statement from their office Monday.

The Dec. 12 vigil at Washington National Cathedral will "will set a tone of somber remembrance of the tragic shooting—a tragedy that motivated the American people to action," according to a release from the Newtown Foundation.

Newtown resident David Ackert, a leader in both groups, said the D.C. vigil was motivated by town officials' call to keep a low media profile in Newtown on Dec. 14.

"Our community is committed to transforming our tragedy through actions rooted in love, compassion, and service to others," Ackert said. "Newtown has respectfully asked the media not to visit or to contact our community during this difficult time. As such, we are grateful for the opportunity to memorialize all of our loved ones at such a historical and majestic location in our nation’s capital."

The Newtown Foundation is a non-profit partner of the Newtown Action Alliance, founded after Dec. 14 as an advocacy group against gun violence. The foundation maintains an absence from legislative activities, according to their website.

The organization is calling for victims, family members and supporters from across the country to gather at the Cathedral for the vigil.

"The faith community has spoken with one voice over the past months demanding action to improve gun safety and reduce the number of gun deaths in our schools, on our streets, and in our workplaces," said the Cathedral's dean, the Very Rev. Gary Hall. "Washington National Cathedral is honored to be the venue for this anniversary vigil, and we pledge to continue offering our prayers, support, and advocacy for all victims of gun violence and their families."

Washington National Cathedral is one of the nation's largest cathedrals, and has played host to previous tributes to Newtown victims, including ringing their bells in memory one week after the shooting.


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