To the Editor:

I am writing in support of the Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial and the sensitive and emotionally challenging work completed by the ten-person volunteer commission.

To be tasked with honoring the most devastating event in our community’s history is no small undertaking, but to complete this work with proper public input and despite the budgetary constraints is no easy feat.

I commend the commission for selecting a beautiful nature walk to provide a serene reflecting space to honor the lives lost and the community-endured trauma, to provide visitors the opportunity to reconnect with the natural beauty of Newtown as an incredible way to offer tribute. This open air memorial will allow the public from all ages and backgrounds to visit and reflect.

I want to thank the SWA design firm for managing to make a beautiful, meaningful destination for Sandy Hook and the State of Connecticut to punctuate the first decade of rebuilding following an unimaginable event. I hope this memorial will come to fruition and bring comfort and closure to those who hold those lives forever changed close in their hearts.

To our neighbors and friends in Newtown, I hope you can consider casting your ballot on April 27, 2021 in favor of this project. This has been a labor of love and memoriam that a wonderful group of volunteers has been working on for a number of years, and I hope that the community can rally around this project and support any and all efforts of Newtown coming together to move forward.

Tony Hwang

State Senator

Serving the 28th District, which includes Newtown, Sandy Hook, Easton, Fairfield, Weston, and Westport April 9, 2021