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On Dec. 20, the first lady wrote a heartfelt letter to the community of Newtown, Conn. in response to the devastating shooting massacre on Dec. 14. In it, she declares her heartache for the town and how the White House will take steps to prevent another tragedy — read on for the full letter.

First Lady Michelle Obama expressed her deep sympathy and grief for the friends and families of those who lost loved ones in Newtown, Conn. a week after the deadly shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 14.

Her open letter to the community, titled “Holding You in Our Hearts,” not only shows her support, but also her promise to protect future towns and children from another unnecessary massacre.

‘Holding You in Our Hearts’ Full Letter:

“December 20, 2012

Over the past week, we as Americans have been united in our grief as Newtown has laid to rest so many beautiful, innocent children, along with the heroic educators who worked every day to help them achieve their dreams.

As a mother of two young daughters, my heart aches for you and your families. Like so many Americans, I wish there were something – anything – I could do or say to ease your anguish.

But I know that I cannot begin to imagine the depths of your grief. I know that for many of you, the pain you are enduring right now seems unbearable; and many of you may be asking yourselves, how can we go on – as families and as a community?

Over the past week, I have been awed and inspired by Newtown’s heroes: the first responders who risked their lives at a moment’s notice; the educators whose devotion to their students shone brightest in one of our nation’s darkest hours; the children who comforted each other despite their fear; the families coming together to support each other as they grieve.

And I am so proud of the outpouring of love and support that has come from every corner of America: from first responders from neighboring cities rushing to help however they could; from people in Cleveland and Charlotte and Juneau and so many other communities joining together to honor Newtown with their thoughts and prayers; and in living rooms and houses of worship and the halls of our government, where we are beginning to have those difficult conversations about how we can build a safer, more peaceful tomorrow for all our children.

And I want you to know that this is just the beginning. As my husband has said, in the coming weeks, he will use all the powers of his office to engage citizens from across this country to find ways to prevent tragedies like this one. And please know that every minute of every day, we are thinking of you, and praying for you, and holding you and your families in our hearts as you begin the slow and wrenching work of healing and moving forward.

In the months and years ahead, may the memories of those beautiful children and those heroic adults be a blessing for their families, for your community, and for our country, and may God bless you all.

First Lady Michelle Obama, Washington DC”

What a beautiful letter. Our hearts also ache for the community of Newtown, Conn.

What did YOU think of the letter HollyMoms?

– Christina Stiehl

More Sandy Hook shooting news:

1. President Barack Obama Visits Newtown, Connecticut — Pics
2. President Obama: ‘We Must Change’ After School Shooting
3. Sandy Hook Mom Reveals Tragic Moment She Knew Son Died