Sandy Hook anniversary passes in traumatized Newtown

NEWTOWN, Conn., Dec. 14 (UPI) -- City leaders in Newtown, Conn., said they were letting the anniversary of the Sandy Hook school massacre pass without any official activities.

The plan Saturday was to let the day pass on its own with people remembering Dec. 14, 2012 in their own way rather than schedule a public event that would likely raise the anxiety level in the community.

"It just seemed like the most appropriate thing because of the crush of attention that people have experienced," the Rev. Matthew Crebbin of Newtown Congregational Church told the Wall Street Journal.

Crebbins' church was among several in Newtown that held special memorial services Saturday. Mental-health counselors were on duty Saturday at a synagogue where residents having difficulty coping could walk in and receive help.

Town officials said many people in Newtown were still traumatized by the shooting spree that left 20 elementary school children and six adult staff members dead. The fragile situation led to the city to make a request to the national media to keep their distance Saturday. "We were hurt really badly last year as you all know," First Selectman Patricia Llodra told reporters earlier this week. "We don't need to be reminded."