26 bells rang out at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Palm Desert to honor the lives of the 20 children and 6 adults gunned down last week at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

 

"It's so traumatic. it's very difficult. I'm a mother of 4, 16 grandchildren and it really touches very deeply," said La Quinta resident Hildy Rupp.

 

Friday morning marks the one week anniversary of the mass shooting. Across the nation bells rang out to remember each of the victims.

 

"Every ring of the bell was a strong reminder of each and everyone of our personal responsibility to insure that we teach the values of peace conflict resolution to our children," Congressman elect Dr. Raul Ruiz, said.

 

Congressman elect Dr. Raul Ruiz and religious leaders of all faiths from across the valley stood together. 

 

"I think the best thing we can do for the people there is be better leaders here. If we ring this bell and console ourselves and don't do anything to change the world and change the climate that makes this kind of tragic gun violence happen then we've failed the people who died," Lane Hensley, Senior Pastor at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church said.

 

A sense of grief and loss for those who died, but also a need for change. A need to protect our nations schools and our children.

 

"I hope it will encourage others to remember this and not only remember this but take actions in any way that they can to help us build a more safe and secure society," Richard Zionts said.

 

The nation and the valley still in mourning. Victims whose lives will never be forgotten. 

 

--Adrianna Weingold

aweingold@kmir6.com