Thursday marked five years since 26 lives were lost in the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

People around the country came together to pay tribute to the victims, and in New Canaan, people gathered inside United Methodist Church Thursday morning for a somber prayer vigil.

Community members sang and prayed as they remembered the 20 children and six staff members killed in the shooting.

Each of their names was read aloud as candles were lit.

Organizers say the day not only honors them, but recognizes the countless others who have lost their lives to gun violence since that day five years ago.

“So we wanted to bridge that gap by recognizing those who lost their lives five years ago today and also committing ourselves to acting responsibly to end gun violence as well,” says Matthew Hubbard, associate pastor at Methodist Church of New Canaan.

The anniversary of a disaster can renew feelings of fear, anxiety, and sadness for survivors, families of survivors, victims, emergency workers, as well as the community.

The National Disaster Distress Helpline is offering free counseling for anyone with emotional distress.

Gov. Dannel Malloy ordered flags flown at half-staff, but despite the milestone, Newtown is keeping its tradition of no official public ceremonies.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal paid tribute on the floors of the House and Senate to the victims and reminded the Senate that Congress has a choice to make moving forward.

Meanwhile, there was also a non-denominational memorial at Trinity Episcopal Church and a vigil at the Stratford Town Hall steps in honor of Sandy Hook teacher Vicki Soto.