MASON COUNTY — Many in Mason County, along with countless others across the nation, will be remembering the victims of last week’s deadly shooting in Newtown, Conn. as requested by that state’s governor.

Earlier this week, Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signed a proclamation declaring Friday, Dec. 21, a “Day of Mourning” in the State of Connecticut and requesting that residents statewide participate in a moment of silence at 9:30 a.m. The governor is also requesting houses of worship and government buildings that have the capability, to ring bells 26 times during that moment in honor of each life that was taken at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Gov. Malloy has also written a letter to every governor in the United States, asking each state to consider joining the State of Connecticut on Friday during this time of reflection and mourning. The request is circulating around the country, including in West Virginia and here in Mason County.

“The Mason County Commissioners are complying with the wishes of the governor of Connecticut, in following his request of ringing our courthouse bell 26 times at 9:30 a.m. on Friday in memory of the 26 innocent people who were tragically murdered last week,” Commission President Rick Handley said. “We are asking all employees and visitors at the courthouse, along with all citizens of Mason County to quietly observe this moment as well.”

In a statement, Gov. Malloy said: “Let us all come together collectively to mourn the loss of far too many promising lives at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Though we will never know the full measure of sorrow experienced by these families, we can let them know that we stand with them during this difficult time.”

Gov. Malloy went on to say: “Mourning this tragedy has extended beyond Newtown, beyond the borders of Connecticut, and has spread across the nation and the world. On behalf of the State of Connecticut, we appreciate the letters and calls of support that have been delivered to our state and to the family members during their hour of need.”