Paul Simon performed the classic Simon and Garfunkle hit, “The Sound of Silence,” at the funeral for Victoria “Vicki” Soto on Wednesday, Dec. 19. Vicki was one of the 26 who were tragically killed when Adam Lanza opened fire on Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. on Dec. 14.

Paul Simon Pays Tribute

Paul Simon’s “The Sound of Silence” was written in 1963 in the aftermath of John F. Kennedy‘s assassination. Some of the moving lyrics include: “In restless dreams I walked alone, narrow streets of cobblestone.”

Paul’s performance of the classic song, as well as friends’ and family member’s eulogies were reportedly broadcasted to the many who had gathered outside at Vicki’s funeral to pay their respects. Many who attended the funeral wore green ribbons. Green was the color of Sandy Hook, as well as Vicki’s favorite color.

Following the funeral, one of Vicki’s sisters Carlee, tweeted ” Yes Vicki, there are flamingoes in heaven” (sic), along with a photo of her and Vicki.

Vicki’s Courageous Act

Her best friend and former college roommate, Rachel Schiavone spoke of Vicki’s love of her students. She said, “She loved them more than anything, they were supposed to do gingerbread on Friday.”

Vicki was a 27-year-old first grade teacher who courageously died protecting her students by hiding them in a closet on Friday.

Services for Other Victims

Today was the third day of funerals for victims of the Sandy Hook shooting. The first funerals held were for students Jack Pinto and Noah Pozner. Funerals for fellow students Charlotte Bacon, Daniel Barden, and Caroline Previdi were scheduled for today. Visiting hours for Sandy Hook principal Dawn Hochsprung and student Chase Kowalski, whose funerals and burials will be private, were also set for earlier today.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Vicki and her family, as well as the rest of the victims of Sandy Hook.

– Caitlin Miller

More Sandy Hook News:

1. Revealed: Photo Of First Grade Class Massacred By Adam Lanza
2. Adam Lanza Had Condition That Inhibited Physical Pain — Report
3. Boyfriend Of Murdered Teacher Planned To Propose On Christmas Eve

A young teacher, Victoria Soto, saved as many of her first grade students as she could on Friday Dec. 14 when she threw her body in front of masked gunman Adam Lanza. The 27-year-old teacher died after getting shot.

Victoria’s final moments of life allegedly involved her rushing her entire class into a closet as Adam entered her classroom. She tried her best to shield the students from the evil killer.

Victoria, who worked at Sandy Hook Elementary School for five years, was popular with the students and a highly regarded member of the staff.

“She took her kids, put them in the closet and by doing so she lost her life protecting those little ones,” Soto’s cousin, Jim Wiltsie, told ABC News.

“She was found huddled over her children, her students, doing instinctively what she knew was the right thing. I’m just proud that Vicki had the instincts to protect her kids from harm,” he continued. “It brings peace to know that Vicki was doing what she loved, protecting the children and in our eyes she’s a hero.”

Four teachers were said to be the targets of Adam’s, who headed to the school around 9:30AM on that fateful day.

President Obama’s Address To A Saddened Country

On Dec. 14, President Barack Obama addressed a shaken and frightened nation, speaking not as a politician, but as a fellow parent. Overcome with his own grief, he had to take a moment to regain his composure and wipe tears from his eyes. “Tonight Michelle and I will do what I know every parent in America will do, we will hug our children a little tighter. And we will tell them that we love them,” he said.

Our thoughts remain with the victims lost, their suffering families, and the shaken community of Newtown, CT.

What do you think of this horrific situation, HollywoodLifers? Will this town ever recover? Will we as a nation?

— Chris Rogers

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More On The Sandy Hook Elementary School Tragedy:

1. Children Recall The Tragic Shooting At Connecticut Elementary School
2. Alleged School Shooter Adam Lanza’s Girlfriend Missing
3. Hero Teacher Saved 15 Children During Connecticut School Shooting