CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- Thursday marks the fifth anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre. More than 200 groups gathered all around the country to hold vigils in remembrance of those who lost their lives.

North Carolinians Against Gun Violence gathered with community members in Chapel Hill Thursday night to remember the 20 children and six adults who were killed in the 2012 mass shooting. 

The group utilized the event to continue the conversation about gun violence. 

In attendance was former Durham Mayor, Bill Bell. Bell said, “It’s a reminder. It’s a sad reminder. If you don’t do it, then people will think that you’re comfortable and things are as they are. I’ve heard someone say that this country is going to have to accept mass violence and I just hope we aren’t at that point now.”

Members of various faiths and backgrounds spoke and candles were lit to pay tribute. 

Other organizations in attendance were the Durham Crisis Response Center, Moms Demand Action, and the NC AIDS Action Network.