Paying respects no matter where you live

FRANKLIN, Ohio (WDTN) - No matter where you live or whether you've ever heard of Newtown, Connecticut before, the world is now wrapping its arms around the small New England town.

As funerals begin for the 26 victims of Friday's tragedy, an outpouring of sympathy and support rings out.  Condolences from as far as Africa, Japan and Canada have been received and the Miami Valley is sending them as well.

The community of Franklin gathered Monday evening to pay tribute by releasing balloons and spreading flowers to express their sorrow.

Countless residents filled the sidewalks of Lion's Bridge to pay their respects to the victims and their families in Connecticut.

Green and white are reportedly the colors that represent Sandy Hook Elementary School, so it only seemed fitting to release balloons of the same color, said organizers of the event. 

Emily Hogsten, 7, dropped a single rose into the Great Miami River from Lions Bridge in Franklin.  It was followed by 25 more.  The flowers were all released by children in honor of the victims killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting.

Emily shared a special message she wrote on her balloon before releasing it with the countless others soaring through the night's sky. 

"It says, God bless you Emilie Parker," said Emily Hogsten.  "I wrote it because she (Emilie) has the same name as me."

The same name and just a year older than the blonde haired, blue eyed Emilie Parker, who was one of twenty children killed Friday.

Emily's mother said the simple similarities are chilling.

"When you have children the same age as the victims it rips your heart out," said Jamie Lyninger.  I cannot imagine or even begin to know what they are going through. Its heartbreaking,"

Andrea Johnson is also deeply affected by the tragedy.  She too brought her children to the ceremony, including her youngest, Olivia,6,  again the same age as some of the children killed.

"They were just innocent little kids and the heroes that tried to save them," said Andrea Johnson. "Its just terrible."

Organizer Kristie Mitchell said the ceremony was initially only a small gathering, but her Facebook posting went viral through the community and countless people showed up to pay their respects.

Franklin City Council donated funds to purchase the balloon and helium for the ceremony.