First lady Michelle Obama wrote an open letter entitled “Holding You in Our Hearts” to the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, published in the Hartford Courant yesterday.
The letter reads as follows:
“Over the past week, we as Americans have been united in our grief as Newtown has laid to rest so many beautiful, innocent children, along with the heroic educators who worked every day to help them achieve their dreams.
As a mother of two young daughters, my heart aches for you and your families. Like so many Americans, I wish there were something — anything — I could do or say to ease your anguish.
But I know that I cannot begin to imagine the depths of your grief. I know that for many of you, the pain you are enduring right now seems unbearable; and many of you may be asking yourselves, how can we go on — as families and as a community?
But I also know that we have already begun to see the answer to that question in the countless acts of courage, kindness and love here in Newtown and across America.
Over the past week, I have been awed and inspired by Newtown’s heroes: the first responders who risked their lives at a moment’s notice; the educators whose devotion to their students shone brightest in one of our nation’s darkest hours; the children who comforted each other despite their fear; the families coming together to support each other as they grieve.
And I am so proud of the outpouring of love and support that has come from every corner of America: from first responders from neighboring cities rushing to help however they could; from people in Cleveland and Charlotte and Juneau and so many other communities joining together to honor Newtown with their thoughts and prayers; and in living rooms and houses of worship and the halls of our government, where we are beginning to have those difficult conversations about how we can build a safer, more peaceful tomorrow for all our children.
And I want you to know that this is just the beginning. As my husband has said, in the coming weeks, he will use all the powers of his office to engage citizens from across this country to find ways to prevent tragedies like this one. And please know that every minute of every day, we are thinking of you, and praying for you, and holding you and your families in our hearts as you begin the slow and wrenching work of healing and moving forward.
In the months and years ahead, may the memories of those beautiful children and those heroic adults be a blessing for their families, for your community, and for our country, and may God bless you all.
First Lady Michelle Obama, Washington, D.C.”
Today is the fifth straight day that funerals will be held for victims of the massacre in Newtown, Connecticut as three staff members and two students will be laid to rest.
At 9:30 a.m. a moment of silence will take place nationally for the Sandy Hook victims, marking a week ago when Adam Lanza killed 26 people, including 20 children. He then took his own life.
Newtown officials will convene together at 9:28 a.m. on the steps of Edmond Town Hall in Newtown, Connecticut for the 9:30 a.m. moment of silence. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman and Newtown First Selectman Patricia Llodra will be among those in attendance.
Bells from nearby by Trinity Episcopal Church are also scheduled to ring 26 times in memory of each life lost in the tragedy.
The U.S. Post Office has set up a special PO box for persons to send cards and flowers expressing their condolences and sympathies to the Newtown community. The address is: Box 3700, Newtown, Connecticut 06470.
Follow Marquise Francis on Twitter @mKfly