It was a tremendous showing of support Wednesday night in front of the Millsop Community Center as the town of Weirton came together to honor the victims of the Newtown shooting.
Over 500 people came out for the candlelight vigil and Weirton Mayor George Kondik said it was a touching event.
“To see the love of our community come together with prayer and it was just overwhelming, it was just tremendous,” said Kondik. “It’s something I have never been to before in my life.”
The event started at 7 p.m. and lasted over an hour as several area pastors gave readings and remarks as well as singing by Carrie Oliver, the St. Paul Church children’s choir and the Covenant Church choir.
“The event was very touching,” said Kondik. “It ended with a candle service and a signing of a banner telling the Newtown people from Weirton are praying for them.”
The event also included comments on behalf of U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin and U.S. Representative David McKinley and Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce President Brenda Mull.
The names of the 26 victims killed in the tragic shooting were read during the candlelight ceremony as well.
Mayor Kondik said the banner, a video taken by a Weir High student and monetary donations received during the event were all going to be sent to the Newtown Mayor to be distributed out to all the victim’s families.
Kondik was very proud of the communities support and of the hard work by those who put it together.