Palm Desert Church to Ring Bells 26 Times in Memory of Connecticut Shooting Victims

If you're near Highway 74 and El Paseo early Friday morning, expect to hear bells ringing for quite some time as a local church joins the nation in remembering the victims of last week's tragic school shooting in Connecticut.

The bells will ring at 6:30 a.m.-- the same time that a moment of silence will be observed across the country and in Connecticut, at the request of Governor Dannel Malloy.

“Let us all come together collectively to mourn the loss of far too many promising lives at Sandy Hook Elementary School,” Governor Malloy said. “Though we will never know the full measure of sorrow experienced by these families, we can let them know that we stand with them during this difficult time.”

"St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Palm Desert will be participating in “Day of Mourning” December 21, 2012 by ringing our church bells 26 times and reading the names of the fallen in honor of the children and adults who lost their lives, and in solidarity with the families, the Newtown residents, and the country," the church said in a press release.

Attendees are asked to arrive at 6:15 a.m.

People from throughout the desert are invited to attend the event.  Participants are encouraged to bring a small stuffed animal as a remembrance which will be later given to a local child in need, organizers said.

Coffee and refreshments will follow the ceremony.  St. Margaret's Episcopal Church is located at 47535 State Hwy 74.