Suffield Honors Victims at Town Vigil

The wind tried to blow out the candles lit on the green Wednesday night, but the children holding them refused to give up. Over and over, they ran to re-ignite them.

It was a metaphor, perhaps, for the hopes and prayers the gatherers shared for the victims and families in Newtown, Connecticut.

Police say a total of 26 people died on Friday, Dec. 14 2012 during and after the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Suffield was one of the many towns across the state to hold candlelight vigils this week. It was quickly pulled together by the Suffield Interfaith Council, a group of religious leaders from the Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Baha'i and Muslim faiths. 

Several clergy members read from their respective books of worship, the Bible, the Koran, and gave short sermons on the need for hope and support for the victims and each other during this horrific event.

Mel Chafetz represented the Jewish faith and spoke to the hectic pace and lifestyle of America. Perhaps, he said, we should spend time and give time to those we most love in our lives. 

Because sometimes "words cannot explain such sorrow" Sonia Hill, a member of the Third Baptist Church, lifted her voice in song to honor the victims. 

A bell was rung 26 times to honor the lives of those lost.

The ceremony finished with all present on the Green singing "Let There Be Peace on Earth" and extinguishing of the candles.