As the full impact of the horrific event that took place December 14, at the Sandy Hook Elementary School unfolded, we as Newtown Alumni, along with so many others both near and far, were stricken with a deeply profound and very personal grief. Those who have left us were our teachers, our neighbors, our friends, our precious children and we continue to mourn their departure. All who were lost were Newtown, just as we are all Newtown, regardless of whether we live nearby or far away.
Collectively, as alumni and citizens, we immediately knew that we yearned to commit to a purposeful and clear mission – a mission that would bring healing to Newtown and honor to those who were lost. So it was with this unwavering sense of purpose that we organized to quietly, thoughtfully, and with absolute resolve begin to take the necessary steps toward creating a permanent public memorial for the town of Newtown. We further resolved to identify and actively promote efforts that would contribute to the healing and betterment of Newtown's citizens. To this end, we have encouraged and welcomed collaborative alliances with other Newtown based organizations and individuals who have chosen to work cooperatively with us in this mission of noble and heartfelt testament.
Now, as some time has passed, our desired mission of healing has gained strength and our dedication to this effort has only become more focused. We have, in a discrete considerate manner, assembled a team of professionals to assist us. This team includes two outstanding architectural firms, a leading Fairfield County landscape design/build architectural firm, and a prominent, nationally recognized US designer, artist, sculptor and Newtown native who works with the mediums of water and stone. In addition and in coordination with this team, we recognized that to achieve a true testament and meaningful memorial, the many heartfelt voices of Newtown and the world must be heard and represented.
To this end, we now encourage those citizens of Newtown and the world who wish to share their memorial ideas or comments with us, to Contact Us. Your sincere, constructive thoughts and expressions concerning our efforts are most welcome and appreciated.
Our members are diverse; some are alumni of Newtown Schools, some are local residents, and still others are just friends of Newtown who share a mutual calling to be part of something greater than themselves. We have gained boundless encouragement from this dedicated team and our organizational partners, along with constructive comments from an ever-growing network of many other supporters who remain devoted to this healing mission. It is with this selfless spirit that we have begun to heal. Together, we are all Newtown and Newtown will persevere.
Please consider active participation through generous support by visiting our Donate/Join Us page.
Support: Newtown Alumni Association Memorial Initiative (NAAMI)