Obama, Malloy speak at vigil for Newtown
By Catherine Casey 12-16-2012
Roughly 1,000 people waited outside in the freezing rain Sunday night for the interfaith vigil at Newtown High School. The vigil was held for the 20 boys and girls and 6 adults who were killed by Adam Lanza. President Obama visited the victims’ families before the vigil on Sunday.You could not go anywhere in Newtown, Conn., last night without
seeing a slew of news crews from across the country. President Barack Obama visited the usually quiet New England town yesterday to console the families of victims of the tragic elementary school shooting that occurred on Friday.
The American Red Cross handed out blankets, teddy bears and food for those who were waiting to get inside. Policemen from numerous towns and state policemen regulated traffic in and out of the area.
People crowded into the auditorium and the gymnasium to hear the words of local faith leaders, Gov. Dan Malloy, and President Obama.
The vigil began with representatives from the local religious community expressing their sorrow for those affected by this tragedy. Governor Malloy also displayed his compassion for the families by saying that “each time the day gets a little longer [during the winter, he] will think and dream of the lives that would have been.”
President Obama also addressed the crowd and those watching throughout the nation in an emotional tone. While standing in front of the podium that was illuminated by 26 candles, for the 26 victims, the president said that he came to “offer the love and prayers of a nation” to the community.
Obama hinted at gun control laws in his speech, but he kept the attitude of the evening religious and heartfelt. However, it was hard to stray from the topic of violence after the bomb threat at Newtown’s Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church earlier on Sunday.
“No set of laws can eliminate evil from the world. But that can’t be an excuse for an action.”
Others that did not get to make it inside the building for the vigil met those who were leaving with candles and signs saying “Pray for Newtown.”