Doing something positive for Neil Heslin, the father of Sandy Hook victim Jesse Lewis

[Tommy_Carcetti]

They say your life changes when you become a parent, but some things really bring it home for me (as a parent of two young children). Yesterday, I was so moved by the testimony of Neil Heslin, the father of 6 year old Jesse Heslin, one of the 20 children killed in the December 14th tragedy. I'm sure many others here feel likewise.

Anyways, in looking more into the subject, I came across an online petition asking the Shelton School Department to rename one of its schools after Jesse Lewis. The text of the petition reads as follows:
__________________________________________________________________
http://www.change.org/petitions/shelton-public-schools-in-shelton-connecticut-change-name-of-one-of-its-schools-to-jesse-m-lewis-elementary-school


Shelton Public Schools in Shelton Connecticut: Change name of one of its schools to Jesse M. Lewis Elementary School


Everybody loves a hero; Jesse McCord Lewis is a true hero. On the day of the Sandy Hook massacre, Jesse died bravely trying to lead other children to safety. When the gunman turned his back, Jesse tried to lead 5 of his classmates from their hiding spot to safety. He made it all the way to the hallway until he was gunned down. When the family of Jesse Lewis found out that Jesse attempted this act of heroism, his family was not surprised at all. According to the family of Jesse Lewis, they were not surprised, "Jesse was always fearless, full of courage, and had a lot of strength. The family takes comfort in knowing what a brave child Jesse was. "His actions were consistent with the way he lived his life; passionately embracing everything, a perfect combination of courage, and faith, like a little soldier, his favorite toy." As I already mentioned, everybody loves a hero, and Jesse is the true definition of a hero, and by signing this petition, we will ask the Shelton Public Schools in Shelton Connecticut to name one of its elementary schools in memory of Jesse McCord Lewis. Why Shelton? Jesse's father, Neil Heslin, lives in Shelton and Jesse was no stranger to the town of Shelton or its surrounding neighbors. Let’s make the change, and give honor and respect to our fallen hero by naming a school in honor of Jesse's memory.
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Obviously, it's only a token measure. Obviously, nothing in the world can erase the pain of the loss of one's child.

But Mr. Heslin impressed me so much with his bravery in speaking up yesterday and asking the questions that needed to be asked (yet some refuse to answer honestly), that he deserves some recognition.

If you don't want to sign the online petition but still wish to contact the Shelton Public Schools, they can be reached at:


http://www.sheltonpublicschools.org/subsite/dist/contact

Address:
382 Long Hill Avenue
Shelton, CT 06484

Phone:
[phone]

Fax:
[phone]

[Kalidurga]

1. I didn't think I could be more angry at the heckler than I already was...

I wish their was a law against that kind of hate. I know you can't legislate against hate, but that is really one of the worst things I have read about in a long time in regards to families mourning. It is Fred Phelps territory and the NRA types shouldn't be allowed anywhere near the families of the victims.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

17. This would be a great way to channel your anger! nt

[abelenkpe]

2. K&R nt

[Tommy_Carcetti]

3. Thanks! nt

[abelenkpe]

7. No problem

signed and sent petition to friends and family.

Hope more people see this post!

[Melinda]

4. :cry:

[logosoco]

5. k&r for this brave little soul nt

[Tommy_Carcetti]

6. Thanks.

If I could have one post to make it to DU's Greatest, this would be it.

[Cha]

8. That petition is so sad.. it's unfathomable

that people(even gun advocates) could not be swayed by these poor brave kids who were slaughtered. And, everytime a heckler shows its stupidity.. it only makes the case Pro Action For Sensible Gun Safety.

NRA Tactics Under Fire After Father of Newtown Victim Heckled

Martin Bashir took down the tactics of the NRA against gun safety today, starting off with a clip of an ‘NRA mole’ who heckled father of a victim the Newtown tragedy, Neil Heslin, as he talked about the loss of his 6-year-old son Jesse.

Steve Kornacki: If you look at the outpouring of grief for these families, one thing that’s separated the aftermath of Newtown is this story has stayed in the news. It stayed in the news a lot longer than other shootings and it’s kept gun control in the news a lot longer which has created this political opening. When you look at a moment like that, which obviously it’s indefensible for somebody to show up at a hearing and treat a man like that, but I think it adds to the momentum. It adds to the outrage and it adds to the case for action to be taken here.

Vid and Transcript at link
http://www.politicususa.com/nra-tactics-fire-father-newtown-victim-heckled.html

Thanks Tommy for bringing this petition on board.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

9. You're very welcome. nt

[Tommy_Carcetti]

10. bump nt

[SunSeeker]

11. K&R&Signed!

[Tommy_Carcetti]

12. Thanks. nt

[sheshe2]

13. So unbearably sad,

that we are even here. The horrific slaughter and the disgusting, inexcusable treatment of a grieving father. A grieving world.

Thank you, Tommy, for bringing this to DU.
I will go now and sign the petition. It is the very least I can do.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

14. Thanks so much!

Keep it up!

[freshwest]

15. My kid attended an elementary school named after a teacher who was killed protecting her students.

Last edited Tue Jan 29, 2013, 10:53 PM - Edit history (1)

It is appropriate to name a school after him to remember this little man.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

16. Indeed it is. nt

[Tommy_Carcetti]

18. Bumping again. nt

[Melinda]

19. C'Mon Duers... Sign The Petition!!! Please?.... link within, takes less than 30 seconds!!

http://www.change.org/petitions/shelton-public-schools-in-shelton-connecticut-change-name-of-one-of-its-schools-to-jesse-m-lewis-elementary-school?utm_source=supporter_message&utm_medium=email


And thank you!!!

[Tommy_Carcetti]

20. Thanks again! nt

[HangOnKids]

21. Crying At My Desk! K&R!!!!!!

[Lurks Often]

22. Signed

While a grossly inadequate substitute to having his son, a nice gesture nonetheless