What a very emotionally event, everyone coming together to support Newtown was really something special. God bless us ALL.

What a dedicated Mayor and citizens of Oak Lawn. That is beautiful what Oak Lawn did. God bless everyone.

So emotional and so moving. I don't think there was a dry eye on the Green.

It certainly was an emotional and moving moment, reminding us of the importance and meaning of our lives, the truly beautiful gift we've been given and should cherish.
We should put aside our differences and work toward harmony and salvation.
I stood last night with Trustee Streit.
May everyone have a Healthy, Holy and Safe New Year.

Quinn

Why would anyone want to remind their children of how terrible a place the world can be? And...that schools can be a dangerous plaace.
I couldn't believe anyone thought this was a good idea.

Try not to look at the glass as half empty. The importance of coming together as a community to show our support to the poor family's that lost their loved ones is why this was a good idea.
Its not a reminder of how dangerous the world can be, its an event that honored each life that was taken. Dont under-estimate the mind of a child- they know how dangers our world is.. the television and internet do a good job teaching that, not a candle vigil honoring Sandy Hook Elementary school. Good thing people like you didn't show up. We dont need more people turning good things into bad around here.

A very moving and powerful event! A special thanks to firefighter O'neil who stayed atop that ladder the whole time to make sure old glory flew freely. It meant something to me..............Thanks!

Wonderful and heartbreaking at the same time.

It was a very emotional event. I think of my 2 grand daughters (7-10) and what life would be with out them. I still can't get a grip on how a piece of garbage can murder 20 babies in cold blood, and yes men can cry too.

Thank you Mayor for a great & solemn event.

Thank you Mayor for a wonderful, moving tribute!
Who was the author of "the 11 days before Christmas" and could a copy be posted on OL Patch...thanks again

It's meant as guilt transfer to make someone feel better for it not being them. I don't see the purpose it serves other than making one feel better about themselves. If it was local I could see it. But does Newtown even know? I find it self serving and grandstanding. Better to have prayed, reflected on our good fortune, and maybe contribute to a mental health aware
Ness program

hey Breeze916, like I told you before, glad you were not part of us last night...

What a silly waste of time. We don't know any of those people, they don't know us, it's over, nothing will bring them back. Pass a concealed carry law and that will deter something similar in the future

Denise, I hope if you ever have to go through such a loss in your lifetime, no one takes the time to show support for you. How could you be so selfish and inhumane as to have that type of reaction?! Shame on you!!

another thought-- if every man -woman -child gave a $1.00 donation to Newtown we could sent $52000($2000 per family) to Newtown's 26 families to use -no strings attached from Oak Lawn to Newtown-
A donation site could be at the Village Hall and kept there til next November

Before this Patch article all I had read was that the lights at the Village Green were being turned off at 7:00 in honor of the victims. I wish I had known that it was so much more. I would have liked to participate.

I'm sorry you missed the two articles preceding this story, Lori. Have you signed up for our newsletter? We do try our best to keep on top stuff that the community is interested in. Patch doesn't sell email addresses.
http://oaklawn.patch.com/newsletters

Surely you are joking Nancy! With all the local needs you want to send $52000 1300 miles away? Newtown is a very wealthy community -'the most perfect town in the country ' by their own words. They have also stated that they want to be left alone.get on with your own life.keep your money locally.

Nancy to Denise!
It was a merely a "thought" for the 1st Anniversary- an idea- a remembrance as the holidays come around in 2013 and days get heavy with recall. No harm done in thinking about the 26 lives snuffed out by violence and how to say "We remember" as far away as Oak Lawn Il.

From Nancy

Seems you two are on the same track-- as shown below-- Happy New Year to you both!

Breeze916
7:17 pm on Friday, December 28, 2012

It's meant as guilt transfer to make someone feel better for it not being them. I don't see the purpose it serves other than making one feel better about themselves. If it was local I could see it. But does Newtown even know? I find it self serving and grandstanding. Better to have prayed, reflected on our good fortune, and maybe contribute to a mental health aware
Ness program

Denise
10:11 pm on Friday, December 28, 2012

What a silly waste of time. We don't know any of those people, they don't know us, it's over, nothing will bring them back. Pass a concealed carry law and that will deter something similar in the future

Notice how this is over now...and people have moved on? My point. Where is SUSTAINED awarenes? Nowhere. The photo op is over. Sad.

I can certainly understand where you're coming from Breeze916. I reached my breaking point with these random, bizarre mass shootings a long time ago. I'd hate to think this is the price we must pay to live in a free society. As some are saying about the shooting in Newtown, CT "this one feels different." I don't know how much worse it can get than 20 dead first-graders, not that all the other ones haven't been just as awful. I don't think the American public is going to be so quick to forget Sandy Hook. As Newtown turns inward to recover from this tragedy, I'm sure every resident there feels the world's outpouring of support for the community. As the Mahareshi told the Beatles when their manager Brian Epstein died, "think good thoughts and they will reach him." Surely the good thoughts of the citizens of Oak Lawn reached somebody there on Friday night. I thought Oak Lawn's vigil was moving, tasteful and eloquent. Kudos to Mayor Heilmann for arranging it.

Lorraine, thanks for a good recap and for providing video.

I think that paying respect to the lost with time and thought and via personal letters makes more sense than collecting cash. There aren't homes to rebuild or food to provide and the standard hurricane response isn't applicable. Nothing we do can bring the children back or erase the tragedy from history. Responding by way of coming together as a community like this is about the best and most reasonable response. The more we can make people and not things a priority the better off we all will be. The more that the community can come together and share experiences whether they be celebrations or sadness it is good for all. Instead of debating the event, lets use it as an example, a stepping off point to remember to be good to one another. There are many other people aside from Sandy Hook that grieve everyday as there are new acts of violence that take lives, locally and globally and could use our support tomorrow and the next day. This was a very human thing to do and it is always a remarkable experience when strangers come together setting aside every difference for the matter at hand. It brings a shred of hope in humanity , an example of caring and love, and helps heal those affected by the tragedy. It was for all of us locally who needed it as much as it was for Newtown because this hit home for many people. It isn't an empty gesture but rather a real facing of fear, sadness, and a show of support. Thanks O.L.

Read the Chicago Tribune on Sunday Dec 30th- and see how they are inundated with "stuff"-No more responses to those wanting to run an idea into the ground--Lastly hope everyone said at least a prayer or two.