This Sunday marks the 13th anniversary of one of the most tragic school shootings in U.S. history.

On December 14, 2012, a gunman entered Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, and opened fire, resulting in the deaths of 20 first-grade children and six dedicated educators.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont reflected on the grim anniversary, stating, “The tragedy that unfolded thirteen years ago remains one of the most heart-wrenching in Connecticut’s history. We hold the memories of the twenty innocent children and six brave educators, who lost their lives while protecting their students, close to our hearts.”

Governor Lamont emphasized the significance of this day, urging it to serve as a reminder of the resilience and bravery of teachers and school staff. He called for a commitment to compassion, humanity, and a unified effort to foster a more peaceful, kind, and hopeful society.

In honor of the victims, Governor Lamont has directed that all U.S. and state flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Sunday.

In a tragic coincidence, as the Sandy Hook community prepares to remember their loss, a mass shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island left two dead and nine injured. Authorities have detained a person of interest early Sunday in connection with this recent violence.

Sandy Hook Promise Chief Advocacy Officer Lauren Levin issued a statement on behalf of the nonprofit following the Brown University shooting.

“Thirteen years ago today, 26 precious lives were stolen at Sandy Hook Elementary. It was an attack that could have been prevented if the warning signs had been taken seriously. Now, the Brown University community has been shaken by this same kind of nightmare, students shot and killed in their classroom,” Levin said.

“We at Sandy Hook Promise stand with each of the victims, their loved ones, and the entire Brown University community in demanding further investigation and swift action. While nothing can bring these precious lives back, we can and must do more to support these families, protect our schools, and prevent school shootings.”

More than a decade after the shooting, many of the Sandy Hook survivors and victims’ families have become leading voices in the nationwide debate over school safety and gun law reform.

The 13-year mark also comes after some Sandy Hook survivors opened up to Good Morning America last year about their memories of the shooting and their plans for the future after graduating from high school.

RELATED | Sandy Hook survivors share memories, future plans ahead of graduation

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