TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) - At Tupelo's City Hall at exactly 9:30 a-m Friday, a prayer was said for the families of those killed in the Connecticut school shooting.
The names of each victim of the school shooting were then read aloud as hand bells from Tupelo's First United Methodist Church sounded.
Church member Carean Dendy said, "Our community is deeply touched and we just wanted to show our support for the families. But when you read the name, it becomes a real person to you."
These residents gathered at the same time with other Mississippians and people across America to remember what happened in Connecticut exactly one week ago.
Former Tupelo School Board member Shawn Brevard of Tupelo said, "We're all connected. It's a special opportunity to show how much we care in this community for another community that's just like us."
Young people also were there, like children from a Tupelo child care center.
Tenequis Wortham of Tupelo said, "There's a lot we take for granted. This time of year, this season there are a lot of families mourning. We want them to understand how blessed they are."
Area educators also came by to show support.
Donna Mask of Nettleton said, "It's important we stand for the children who lost their lives at school. It's to say we're there for the children and do all we can do."
Even the youngest of people there said they wanted to do something in the face of this tragedy.
Aislyn Pounds of Saltillo said, "We saw this on the news this morning and we just got out of bed. I said 'mom let's go.'"
Those who attended say they'll continue to keep those who've lost so much on their hearts and minds.
