On January 12th, 2011 at 4:53 pm EST-the one year anniversary of the earthquake that struck Haiti–bells in Essex-area churches tolled for 35 seconds in unison with congregations, schools, universities and city halls across the United States.
35 seconds for 300,000 lives list, and more than 1.3 million people: mothers, fathers, children and grandparents, who are still struggling to find hope in a sea of despair.
35 seconds to foster hope among a community of people who care–a community that is committed to standing hand in hand with those who are reclaiming their lives.
35 seconds to affirm that we are all connected in both our joy and our suffering–that we are stronger together than we are alone.
35 seconds to say we remember, and will not forget.
On January 12, 2011, a group of Essex residents gathered on the Essex Town Green (across from St. John’s Episcopal Church) at 4:45. Bell ringing began promptly at 4:53 and continued for 35 seconds—the duration of the earthquake and the longest 35 seconds imaginable.
