Tribute to Newtown victims at Hu Ke Lau

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - All throughout the Pioneer Valley and across the country people are trying to do their part to support the Newtown Community.

In Chicopee, the owners of the Hu Ke Lau restaurant have incorporated a tribute to Newtown into their traditional program. Twenty children are called up on stage to represent the twenty victims whose lives tragically ended far too soon.

“There were no words,” said Mokihana Ripley. “Like we were numb. As if we were there with them, like they were our children. We feel so far away, we feel so helpless. They've been in our prayers.”

“It's just the loss of life,” said Atoa Ripley. “Those beautiful kids. We have kids ourselves and I can't imagine going through that.”

The Ripleys said it especially hits close to home because Newtown isn't too far away from the Pioneer Valley.