Par-Troy PTA Council Hosts Candlelight Vigil for Newtown Shooting Victims

The Par-Troy Council of Parent-Teacher Associations will honor the memory of those lost at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Friday morning's deadly shooting in Connecticut.

Parsippany residents are asked to gather Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Veterans Park off Route 46.

Organizer Sandy Nussbaum Giercyk said the idea behind the event is to offer solace to those who are grieving and to pay respects to the fallen.

"As the events of Friday unfolded it was horrific and gutwrenching to everyone," Giercyk told Patch. "I couldn't get past the fact it was kindergarten children.  Innocent 6-year-olds.  As a parent it was simply heartbreaking.  

"All you want to do is grab your kids and never leave home if even a kindergarten room isn't a safe place."

With those thoughts in mind, Giercyk said she contacted council president Elizabeth Kadian to see if it was possible to gather. She then reached out to the township's Recreation Superintendent Joe Plescia, who approved the use of the park.  

Giercyk said the fast turnaround has kept her busy.

"I['ve reached] out to clergy, dignitaries and other potential speakers as well as try to buy candles and get the word out," she said, adding that such a tragedy hits even harder during the winter holidays.

"During such a joyful season, the devastation is overwhelming," Giercyk said. "What better way to begin to cope than by coming together as a community and to remember how lucky we are.

"It has been a rough week, but I keep reminding myself I don't even know what rough is."

Attendees are encouraged to bring along flashlights or electric candles for the vigil. Giercyk said a limited number will be available for sale at Tuesday's event.