Hundreds of people in Bucks County took time away from the holiday rush Sunday and gathered for a memorial service to reflect on the victims of the Sandy Hook tragedy.
The service, held at the Garden of Reflection in Lower Makefield Township, brought together dozens of educators and students from around the area. Twenty-six torches burned bright in memory of the 20 first-graders and six educators killed inside the Sandy Hook Elementary School ten days ago.
“To see so many people out at such a busy time of the year speaks volumes,” said Edgewood Elementary School teacher Michele Spack.
“It's sad, it's emotional, and we hope that tonight gives hope to the families and a chance to begin to heal, said Makefield Elementary School teacher Donna McCormick.
Over the Christmas break, many say they’ll be able to shed the brave front they held up for their students the week after the shooting.
“We had to come in and we had to be business as usual for the kids. They needed to see schools are safe places,” said Spack.
It’s more than a week after the tragedy and there are still tears. Some who came out Sunday night say celebrating the holidays this year has been nearly impossible.
“You think of heartache of other parents and families, said Jane Alley.
The last of the funerals for the 26 victims of the Newtown, Conn. school shooting were held Saturday.
Newtown Superintendent of Schools Janet Robinson says all Sandy Hook students will return to class on Jan. 3 to a refurbished middle school in neighboring Monroe.
