The bell at the Alaska Capitol building will ring 26 times at 9:30 a.m. today, December 21, to honor each student and faculty member who lost their life on December 14 at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.
This order from Governor Sean Parnell comes after a proclamation from Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy, who declared today as a "Day of Mourning." Governor Malloy requested that citizens observe a moment of silence at 9:30 a.m. local time. He asked places of worship and government buildings with the ability to do so, to ring their bells 26 times during this moment of silence.
Governor Parnell asks Alaskans to observe the moment of silence and asks churches to ring their bells at that time.
"I urge Alaskans to pause and remember those who lost their lives in this incomprehensible act of violence," said Parnell. "Sandy and I offer our condolences to the victims' families, friends, and neighbors as our nation continues to grieve this senseless loss."
Governor Parnell will also send a letter to Governor Malloy offering condolences on behalf of all Alaskans.
The bell at the Alaska Capitol building is a full-scale replica of the Liberty Bell. It is rung at the governor's discretion.
Contact Jessica Ridgway
