Survivors mark 10 years since Sandy Hook shooting by helping others

The new sign at the Sandy Hook memorial in Newtown, Connecticut.
(Image credit: John Moore/Getty Images)

A decade after one of the worst school shootings in American history, survivors of that tragic day are reflecting on the gun violence that is still commonly seen in the United States.

Wednesday marked 10 years since the Dec. 14, 2012, mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, claimed the lives of 20 children and six adults. The children that died were all between six and seven years old.

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"I feel it's important that folks hold some time to reflect on those that have been lost through this preventable shooting epidemic," Mark Barden told Reuters. "If everybody does a little bit we can really make a difference."

Barden's son Daniel was killed in the shooting. In the aftermath of his son's death, Barden, along with a number of other Newtown families, co-founded the Sandy Hook Promise, an organization dedicated to teaching people about the warning signs of mental illness and mass shootings.

Others in Newtown have also worked to turn their pain into purpose.

Jackie Hagerty was seven when she survived the gunman's attack. Now 17, she penned a letter to "future school shooting survivors" to try and offer them ways to cope.

"The reason I'm writing this is because I believe that the aftermath of a tragedy is not just the few days that gain the public's attention," she wrote. "It's the years of mourning, grieving, and processing."

"I, myself, was afraid to show my emotions," she added. "I'm here to tell you NOT to do that ... You're allowed to have emotions. It's human, and going through something traumatic almost requires you to have emotions."

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Justin Klawans, The Week US

Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.