From Governor Gregoire‘s office:

In response to a request from Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy, Gov. Chris Gregoire asks that the people of Washington observe a moment of silence at 9:30 a.m. local time on Friday, Dec. 21, out of respect for the families devastated by the Newtown tragedy.

Gov. Malloy has issued a proclamation declaring Friday, Dec. 21, to be a day of mourning throughout Connecticut. In solidarity with the people of that state, and recognizing that the deaths of these twenty children and six educators is a national tragedy, Gov. Gregoire requests Washingtonians join in this moment of quiet reflection.

“We are all heartbroken by this senseless violence,” said Gov. Gregoire. “Mike and I often think of those parents who will never again hug their first-graders. The courageous acts of the staff at Sandy Hook were truly selfless and heroic. The people of Newtown will long be in our prayers.”

In his letter to Gov. Gregoire, Gov. Malloy wrote, “In the last few days, the outpouring of love and compassion from your state and from around the world has been overwhelming, and the people of Connecticut will be forever grateful.”

In Connecticut, places of worship will also ring bells twenty-six times in honor of each life taken at Sandy Hook Elementary.

And a reminder that the next night – this coming Saturday, December 22nd – a 5 pm vigil is planned at the Alki Statue of Liberty (here’s our original story). Organizer Casey Ann Rasmussen, a West Seattle business owner, tells WSB today that the vigil will include speakers, including, from Families and Friends of Violent Crime Victims, executive director Marge Martin and board member Mark Roe, who also is Snohomish County’s prosecuting attorney.