A Moment of Silence in Reading

Residents, town employees, firefighters, police officers and Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner gathered in front of Town Hall at 2:50 p.m. Monday to observe a moment of silence for the victims, first responders and all those affected by the marathon bombings. 

Hechenbleikner said, with a laugh, that he may not say what Big Papi said at a recent ball game, but "it has been a hell of a week."

He went on to say that it was fitting for everyone to gather together "to take a moment of silence and think about what these events mean to us."

He commended all of the police officers involved, including the three from Reading. He asked residents to join him in a moment of silence in memory of those whose lives were lost, in memory of those who were previoulsy injured and in recognition of public safety officers.

Resident Barbara Faso attended to show her support for the victims. She said that she didn't know anyone who was injured or at the marathon, but she believes that we are all connected.

"I think the whole world is connected in one way or another," she said.