Sunday vigils for Newtown

BRANFORD, Conn. (WTNH)-- On Sunday afternoon, hundreds of people gathered in Woodbridge to honor and remember the victims of the Tragedy at Sandy Hook. More than a week after the shootings, emotions are still overwhelming.

"I think the community here in Woodbridge just needed to come together to show their solidarity and to be together and just to let one another know how much we're affected and that we do care," said Tom Sovar, Woodbridge.  

Vigils were also held Sunday evening in towns across the state. People came together in Branford at the Town Hall. Candles were lit and tears were shed.

"It's sad. And it's just great that there is so many people out here, just to get together. Just because it is so sad," Brianna Clyne, Branford.

Because this happened here in our state, it hits close to home for so many people. At vigils, many people have a personal connection or a story that makes them want to come together.

Paul Allen, a Pastor at Shoreline Community Church, said, "I youth pastored for 15 years in Brookfield, which is the neighboring town to Newtown, so we had a lot of friends and just acquaintances of friends from our church. It was really close to us."

"We had family that works in the school system. You know, I have a five-year-old brother and a twelve-year-old brother. So just seeing, it's just heartbreaking," said Clyne.

For many, these vigils are a way to find the strength and the courage to help Connecticut heal.

Anthony DaRos, Branford's First Selectman, said, "it could have happened to anyone of us. It could have been anyone of us going through what Newtown is going through right now. And I think it's important that we, as a community, come together to show support for the people of Newtown."