Churches To Ring Bells Friday Morning for Sandy Hook Victims

Updated Thursday, 12 p.m.

Bartow County Commissioner Clarence Brown today released this statement:

"On Friday, Dec. 21, at 9:30 a.m., local churches throughout the county will join in unison to ring their bells 26 times in memory of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy.

"Commissioner Brown invites all county employees that wish to participate to recognize this solemn event with a moment of silence as the bells ring."

Original Report

Cartersville is one of many cities in Georgia encouraging its local churches to ring bells Friday in memory of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

A lone gunman claimed the lives of 20 children, ages 6 and 7, and six adults, including the principal and a counselor, before taking his own. The victims would be honored as churches across the state ring their bells at 9:30 a.m., according to the press release, which in part reads:

"Many cities in Georgia are encouraging their local churches to ring their bells 26 times...in memory of the 20 children and six adults who lost their lives during the tragic school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. As a result, the city of Cartersville would like to make a similar request of our churches. We appreciate the community’s consideration and participation as our entire nation grieves over this horrific tragedy." 

Georgia's municipal association has helped spread the word, WSB-TV reports, after Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy proclaimed Friday a day of mourning and  asked churches there to ring their bells. Churches in other states also have plans to similarily honor the victims.

Tell us in the comments if your church is ringing its bells, share your photos and videos, and don’t miss any of the local news you care about—subscribe to Cartersville Patch's newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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