(NECN/NBC News: Brian Mooar)
Saturday marks the first anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting and observance ceremonies were held in cities across Connecticut and around the nation.
This was not the case in Newtown though, as families of the victims spent the day reflecting privately.
"To think that it's almost a year since I've held him, it's no time at all," said Nicole Hockley, mother of one of the victims.
Church bells sounded 26 times across the state in honor of each of the lives taken by gunman Adam Lanza. A candle was lit for each victim at the White House as well.
President Barack Obama has called for a solution to America's gun violence epidemic.
"We have to do more to keep dangerous people from getting their hands on a gun so easily. We have to do more to heal troubled minds," said Obama.
Local
Aside from President Obama, the families of the victims have also been highly active in lobbying for stricter gun control laws.
