Letter to the Editor

Amo angels honor 2012 Newtown victims, heroes

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

To the Editor:

The Town of Amo is doing something special this holiday season to remember the precious lives that were lost last year in Newtown, Conn.

On Dec. 14, 2012, just days before Christmas, many lives were torn apart when a gunman entered Sandy Hook Elementary and opened fire.

On this devastating day, 26 lives were suddenly taken. Twenty innocent children perished, while six adults hovered over them and fought for their protection. These six individuals sacrificed their lives in an effort to save our children. The selfless acts of these heroes will never be forgotten.

For years now, the Christmas decorations that illuminate and line the streets in Amo have begun to deteriorate. Therefore, 2013 was the year to start anew.

While town council member Donna Watson was taking inventory of needed replacements, her heart sank when she realized it was exactly 20. She felt it was no coincidence, and her heart was immediately drawn to those 20 children who perished.

After receiving unanimous approval, 20 angels were purchased to represent each child who lost their life on this horrific day. The angels would also be the shining new light upon town, while reminding us never to forget.

Council member Ron Travelstead, Rene Gay and Donna Watson all concurred that every Christmas the children in Newtown will never be forgotten. They vowed to remember, cherish and honor the 20 precious lives, which were taken too soon.

If you have the opportunity to pass through Amo this holiday season, take time to reflect the true meaning of Christmas.

Thank you to the Mill Creek Fire Department and Tim Wicker of Electric Plus (Danville) for making this vision a reality.

In loving memory of:

Charlotte Bacon, 6; Jesse Lewis, 6; Daniel Barden, 7; Jessica Rekos, 6; Ana Marquez-Greene, 6; Olivia Engel, 6; Avielle Richman, 6; Benjamin Wheeler; James Mattioli, 6; Josephine Gay, 7; Allison Wyatt, 6; Grace Audrey McDonnell, 7; Dylan Hockley, 6; Emilie Parker, 6; Jack Pinto, 6; Madeleine Hsu, 6; Caroline Previdi, 6; Noah Pozner, 6; Catherine Hubbard, 6; Chase Kowalski, 7; Rachel D'Avino, 29, therapist; Dawn Hoch-sprung, 47, principal; Anne Marie Murphy, 52, teacher; Lauren Gabrielle Rousseau, 30, teacher; Mary Sherlach, 56, school psychologist; and Victoria Soto, 27, teacher.

Chris Nelson

Town Marshal

Amo Police Department