Approximately 42 new and returning officials raised their right hand and swore to serve Newtown and its community in a ceremony on Saturday, November 29.

Held in Edmond Town Hall’s Alexandria Room, the Newtown Municipal Town Officials Swearing-In Ceremony saw well over 100 friends, family members, and others line the chairs for the special occasion. So many people attended, in fact, that some had to stand at the sides of the room because there were not enough seats for everyone.

Town Clerk-Elect Renee Weimann welcomed those in attendance before having everyone take a moment to salute the American flag.

Afterwards, Newtown High School singers Gabriella DeNicola, Lillian Padilla, Alexander Gilson, and Victoria Rausch sang the National Anthem.

Newtown Poet Laureate Lauren Clifford then read her poem “Of Ink and Iron,” which she wrote for the swearing-in ceremony and which is an installment in her America 250 poetry series. The collection, Clifford said, highlights many unsung heroes and heroines from Connecticut and surrounding areas during the time of the American Revolution.

“Of Ink and Iron” specifically features Roger Sherman, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Daniel Nimham, an indigenous leader who fought with the patriots, Gad Asher, a slave who fought to earn freedom from his master, and Hannah Bunce Watson, publisher of The Connecticut Courant.

Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, one of two special guests that afternoon alongside Senator Richard Blumenthal, took to the stage and shared some words with the crowd.

“Good afternoon everyone, and welcome to this celebration of democracy,” Bysiewicz said.

She continued by saying we are able to choose our leaders because of the sacrifice of more than a million Americans who gave their lives in service to their country.

“Thank you so much for this sacrifice so that we can speak as we choose, worship as we choose, and to vote and elect our leaders,” Bysiewicz added. “We are so grateful to you.”

She went on to congratulate all of the candidates who ran, those that won and those that did not, for being a part of such a “valuable and important process.” Bysiewicz noted how it is not easy for anyone to push their name on the ballot and put themselves out there, especially in a world of swirling social media and divisiveness.

“It’s not easy, so let’s thank all the candidates for being part of this vibrant process,” Bysiewicz said.

She also thanked Jeff Capeci for serving as Newtown’s first selectman for the past two years, and for the service of all outgoing elected officials.

Swearing In

With that, it was time for the new and returning officials to take their oaths of office. Bysiewicz did the honor of swearing these officials in, grouped by their elected board or individual position. These boards and positions included: Board of Selectmen, Town Clerk, Legislative Council, Board of Finance, Board of Education, Board of Assessment Appeals, Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Police Commission, and Board of Managers of Edmond Town Hall.

She asked everyone to raise their right hand and solemnly swear that they will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Connecticut, so long as they continue as citizens thereof, and faithfully discharge, according to law, their duties to the best of their ability.

Bysiewicz finished her inductions with First Selectman Bruce Walczak. She shared some final words before calling him to the stage, saying how they are looking forward to working with him and the entire team.

“Local government would not happen but for people stepping up to serve their community,” Bysiewicz said. “We appreciate all that you’ve done and all that you will do, and we’re looking forward to working with your legislative delegation to make sure that Newtown continues to be successful.”

Walczak went behind the podium and spoke as first selectman for the first time. He thanked those in attendance for coming out on a day off when they “ought to be tending to all of your family, personal affairs.”

“And yet, here you are again, providing service and volunteering for the community,” he continued.

Walczak encouraged everyone to look around, noting that they are looking at the building blocks of democracy in Newtown.

“This is where it starts,” Walczak said. “It’s all here. It’s your dedication, it’s your time, and it’s your involvement. I thank you all for your individual commitment to Newtown.”

He continued by saying he looks forward to working with all the new and returning officials.

“We’re going to have a terrific couple years. We’ve had great decades before me, and this is going to be one of Connecticut’s favorite towns,” Walczak said. “Thank you again very much.”

Blumenthal delivered some remarks as the ceremony came to a close. He gave thanks for all of the values and the ideals that they celebrate, but noted that it “isn’t just democracy” that they celebrate, but also community coming together.

“I am so excited and heartened to hear those cheers today for public officials who were sworn in,” Blumenthal said. It shows something about this community. It shows how you pull together, you come together.”

He also noted that there is “something special” about Newtown and its community.

“And as we come to this time of year, where Newtown faced a special kind of tragedy, I’m reminded again of how you demonstrate your resolve and resilience to the whole world what courage, strength, and community mean,” Blumenthal said.

However, he said Newtown refused to be defined by tragedy and has come together to be “a model of what democratic governance should look like, [as well as] coming together and putting aside partisan differences to get the job done.”

“I look forward to coming back [and helping] ... all the officials who were sworn in today with all of the assistance that we can give as a delegation to Congress,” Blumenthal said. “I look forward to serving with all of you.”

The ceremony closed with the Newtown High School singers returning to the stage to sing “America the Beautiful.”

Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.