On the second anniversary of the Sandy Hook school shooting, a local group is holding a candlelight vigil to honor the 26 killed.

The event is hosted by North Carolinians Against Gun Violence and co-sponsored by eight local nonprofits as well as national groups.

A gunman shot 20 first-graders and six adults in Newtown, Connecticut in December of 2012; a tragedy that shocked the nation. Since then, more than 60,000 Americans have fallen victim to gun violence.

North Carolinians Against Gun Violence Spokesperson Edward Turner says the vigil is also a time to speak out.

“If you feel strongly about gun violence, how it affects the day-to-day lives of Americans everywhere, you should definitely attend,” says Turner. “If you want to speak out, you should definitely attend. It’s for any one that’s passionate about protecting America’s youth.”

Guest speakers include former State Senator Ellie Kinnaird, Rabbi Daryl Crystal, Joe Roberts, Marcelle Clowes, and Alfred Harrel.

The vigil takes place at the Judea Reform Congregation on Cornwallis Road in Durham at 7 o’clock on Thursday, December 11.

You can find out more here.

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