Governor Tom Corbett ordered all Pennsylvania flags across the state lowered to half-staff immediately in honor of the Connecticut school shooting victims and their families.
Corbett also issued the following statement:
“My wife, Susan, and I want to offer our condolences to the families and friends of the victims of today’s tragic shooting in Connecticut. As parents, we can imagine nothing more horrific than such a violent, senseless act committed against innocent children.
“On behalf of all Pennsylvanians, we want the families of all these victims to know they are in our thoughts and prayers and we share in their grief.’’
Flags shall remain at half-staff until sundown on Tuesday, Dec. 18.
All Pennsylvanians are invited to participate in this tribute.
Also, Mayor Thompson released the following statement:
“This is a national tragedy and a day of mourning for all of us,” Mayor Thompson said this afternoon. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to those innocent victims and their families. As we move through the holiday season, let us be mindful and express how important and precious our children are, so they feel they are all loved and protected, especially at this time.”
In addition, the Harrisburg Diocese has released the following statement:
I am deeply hurt and deeply saddened by the tragic events that took place in Newtown, Connecticut. In times such as this we must also have hope in the goodness of the Lord and in the resurrection.
When we are faced with such an unspeakable tragedy we know there are no human words that can adequately explain this senseless act nor words to console the families of the victims. However as people of faith we must place our hope and trust in the goodness of the Lord who makes all things new.
For people of faith, our consolation comes from the Lord who through His own passion has conquered death itself and revealed to us the Resurrection.
Our Lord is the Lord of life and we must turn to Him at times like this to seek His consolation and His peace.
As Christians we join in prayer for the families of the victims of this devastating tragedy especially the parents of the children, asking God to give them the grace and strength to bear the heavy cross that has been given to them.
We encourage everyone to take a moment to thank God for the gift of our children and to pray that our world will grow in its respect for all human life.
The following statement was provided by National Parent-Teacher Association President Betsy Landers:
National PTA feels enormous sympathy for the students, families and communities affected by the horrendous tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., today. Our country has experienced far too many of these tragedies, and we all share in the sense of loss and hurt.
School and child safety is one of PTA’s core tenets as it is crucial to effective learning. A traumatic event like that of this morning affects the entire community, especially the families and friends of the victims. This can be an emotional time, and it’s important for people affected by this tragedy to connect with and support each other.
National PTA has many resources to assist students, families, schools and PTAs in coping with school violence. The resources are downloadable at PTA.org/SchoolViolence.
National PTA believes the protection of children in all school settings is a fundamental right and has made this the utmost priority for our work and advocacy.
The following statement was provided by Senator Bob Casey:
“I am deeply saddened by the senseless tragedy in Connecticut today. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and the entire Newtown community.”
Corbett also issued the following statement:
“My wife, Susan, and I want to offer our condolences to the families and friends of the victims of today’s tragic shooting in Connecticut. As parents, we can imagine nothing more horrific than such a violent, senseless act committed against innocent children.
“On behalf of all Pennsylvanians, we want the families of all these victims to know they are in our thoughts and prayers and we share in their grief.’’
Flags shall remain at half-staff until sundown on Tuesday, Dec. 18.
All Pennsylvanians are invited to participate in this tribute.
Also, Mayor Thompson released the following statement:
“This is a national tragedy and a day of mourning for all of us,” Mayor Thompson said this afternoon. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to those innocent victims and their families. As we move through the holiday season, let us be mindful and express how important and precious our children are, so they feel they are all loved and protected, especially at this time.”
In addition, the Harrisburg Diocese has released the following statement:
I am deeply hurt and deeply saddened by the tragic events that took place in Newtown, Connecticut. In times such as this we must also have hope in the goodness of the Lord and in the resurrection.
When we are faced with such an unspeakable tragedy we know there are no human words that can adequately explain this senseless act nor words to console the families of the victims. However as people of faith we must place our hope and trust in the goodness of the Lord who makes all things new.
For people of faith, our consolation comes from the Lord who through His own passion has conquered death itself and revealed to us the Resurrection.
Our Lord is the Lord of life and we must turn to Him at times like this to seek His consolation and His peace.
As Christians we join in prayer for the families of the victims of this devastating tragedy especially the parents of the children, asking God to give them the grace and strength to bear the heavy cross that has been given to them.
We encourage everyone to take a moment to thank God for the gift of our children and to pray that our world will grow in its respect for all human life.
The following statement was provided by National Parent-Teacher Association President Betsy Landers:
National PTA feels enormous sympathy for the students, families and communities affected by the horrendous tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., today. Our country has experienced far too many of these tragedies, and we all share in the sense of loss and hurt.
School and child safety is one of PTA’s core tenets as it is crucial to effective learning. A traumatic event like that of this morning affects the entire community, especially the families and friends of the victims. This can be an emotional time, and it’s important for people affected by this tragedy to connect with and support each other.
National PTA has many resources to assist students, families, schools and PTAs in coping with school violence. The resources are downloadable at PTA.org/SchoolViolence.
National PTA believes the protection of children in all school settings is a fundamental right and has made this the utmost priority for our work and advocacy.
The following statement was provided by Senator Bob Casey:
“I am deeply saddened by the senseless tragedy in Connecticut today. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and the entire Newtown community.”