Mourners in the Halifax area had a chance to grieve for the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy last night.
J.A. Snow Funeral Home in Clayton Park hosted a teddy bear candlelight vigil for the victims.
Many people donated the bears to show their support, as the shooting continues to weigh heavily on the minds of many Maritimers.
“I was really sad when I found out the kids that died were in Grade One,” said student Malcolm MacKinnon. “They were really young when they died. I just came here to pray and help support the families.”
“We have two boys who are young and we have been praying every night when we light the Advent wreath that we have, and praying for the families and for the strength they will need,” said mother Dawn Holland-MacKinnon.
The Newtown tragedy began when 20-year-old gunmen Adam Lanza shot and killed his mother at their family home, then drove to Sandy Hook Elementary School, where he took the lives of 26 others.
Armed with at least three guns, 20 young students -- either six or seven years old -- and six adults were killed before Lanza turned the gun on himself.
Americans stopped to observe a moment of silence this morning as 26 bells tolled in Newton, Conn., and other U.S. cities
The bells rang out at 9:30 a.m. ET, exactly one week after the horrific shooting began at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
In Connecticut and many other states, Friday was declared to be an official Day of Mourning.
President Barack Obama held a moment of silence privately at the White House, and interfaith religious leaders gathered in the Bishop's garden of the Washington National cathedral.
Funerals will also be held Friday for six more of the victims.
With files from CTVNews.ca
