Gov. Gregoire asks Washington to observe moment of silence for Sandy Hook Elementary

For Immediate Release: December 19, 2012

In response to a request from Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy, Gov. Chris Gregoire asks that the people of Washington observe a moment of silence at 9:30 a.m. local time on Friday, Dec. 21, out of respect for the families devastated by the Newtown tragedy.

Gov. Malloy has issued a proclamation declaring Friday, Dec. 21, to be a day of mourning throughout Connecticut. In solidarity with the people of that state, and recognizing that the deaths of these twenty children and six educators is a national tragedy, Gov. Gregoire requests Washingtonians join in this moment of quiet reflection.

�We are all heartbroken by this senseless violence,� said Gov. Gregoire. �Mike and I often think of those parents who will never again hug their first-graders. The courageous acts of the staff at Sandy Hook were truly selfless and heroic. The people of Newtown will long be in our prayers.�

In his letter to Gov. Gregoire, Gov. Malloy wrote, �In the last few days, the outpouring of love and compassion from your state and from around the world has been overwhelming, and the people of Connecticut will be forever grateful.�

In Connecticut, places of worship will also ring bells twenty-six times in honor of each life taken at Sandy Hook Elementary.