The shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut on December 14, 2012 that led to the deaths of 27 people is one of the most horrific events in recent history. This Saturday at 7:00 p.m., Penn State will gather to reflect on the terrible events that took place that day, and to honor the families whose most precious gifts were stolen away from them by a man capable of unimaginable evil.

The vigil is organized by Aviva Doery, a freshman in Penn State’s Schreyer Honors College, who is originally from Sandy Hook herself. Doery volunteers with nonprofit organization, Sandy Hook Promise to try and turn the events that day into a turning point for the country.

Event Coordinator Anne Ready, who is also responsible for organizing support groups for those affected, is working with the Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs to put on the event. She also created greenandwhiteribbonpa.org to spread word and support for those affected.

Penn State Gospel Choir, Essence of Joy, will open with song, then there will be student poems and speakers, followed by a speech by Professor Jeffery Hayes who attended Sandy Hook Elementary.

After Hayes speech there will be a reading of the victims names who will be represented by twenty-six empty chairs upon the steps of Old Main, twenty of which will be smaller, representing the young student’s lives that were taken that day.

The Organizers hope the vigil will serve not just a reflection and remembrance of the awful events and victims, but also as an event for those attending to look at their own lives and count their blessings.