Benton Co. Residents Showing Support for Sandy Hook
BENTON COUNTY, Tenn. – West Tennesseans came together to send a special community message. Residents said their message is for the victims’ families after the school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, where 20 children and 6 school workers were gunned down Friday, December 14. “Right now a mother, a father, a brother, a sister, aunt, uncle, grandparents, they are hurting and they need somebody to lean on right now,” said resident Mark Smothers. “I wish we could physically take that pain away, take that day back, but we can’t. The only thing that we can do is pray for them.” In a community meeting, residents gathered at Camden Elementary School to show their love and support through a group picture, Saturday. “Pictures grab a moment in time and make you remember,” said photographer Shannon Fulton. “It is a way for them to just see that we are here physically, emotionally, mentally. We’re here no matter what.” Residents also signed a card that will be mailed with the picture to the victims’ families in Newtown. “We wanted them to know that we are here, we are praying. It’s not much but it’s gonna help more than anything else,” said organizer Beth Smothers. “I think that’s what gets us through.” The Eva Volunteer Fire Department also participated, lending their fire truck to the people to assist in the picture. “Knowing that people out there feel what you’re going through, that’s what really makes a difference,” said Caleb Smothers. Participants wore Sandy Hook school colors green and white in the picture to honor the Connecticut teachers and students who were killed. Kids said they want the victims’ parents to know the colors symbolize love. “So that I would remember what happened to them and I’ll keep praying when I wear green and white,” said 9-year-old McKenzie Goodwin. Smothers said she is proud of her community and the successful turnout at Camden Elementary. She said several residents are still looking look for more opportunities where their community can reach out and share their support with the families in Connecticut.
