People all over the state and the world today remembered those we lost 10 years ago at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Communities around the state held ceremonies of hope and again demanding an end to gun violence.

"The most unimaginable tragedy our country has ever faced," said Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons.

On Dec. 14, 2012, 20 first graders and six educators lost their lives at Sandy Hook Elementary School, which changed Newtown forever.

"My heart is going out to all the families today and the entire community for the horror that they went through sending my thoughts and prayers to all those families," said Simmons.

Simmons says despite some of the strictest gun laws in the country, there is still more we can do to prevent gun violence in our state and our country.

"It's an epidemic that is horrific and tragic and something that's preventable," said Simmons.

The city of Norwalk held a 10-year remembrance ceremony, just after 9:30 a.m. when the Sandy Hook tragedy began.

"Ana Marquez Green, age 6," said Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling as he read the names of the victims at City Hall.

After each name was read, a bell rang. Members of the Norwalk police and fire departments bowed their heads.

"It is very difficult for us to be here today and bring back that horrible memory but it is proper and fitting that we honor those who lost their lives that day," said Rilling.

In Newtown, Jennifer Hubbard joined local supporters breaking ground on the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary in memory of her daughter.

"The words of a little girl named Catherine Violet Hubbard rang truth then and truth now," said Hubbard.

The 34 acres of state farmland carries the legacy of the 6-year-old girl who loved animals. The Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation has already saved 700 animals.

"We have been able to show the world that conversations that are rooted in a mutual understanding of purpose and acceptance can lead to change," said Hubbard.

There have been 1 million American victims and survivors of gun violence since Sandy Hook.