AUSTIN (December 20, 2012)—Texas Gov. Rick Perry issued a proclamation Thursday declaring a moment of silence at 9:30 a.m. Friday to coincide with Connecticut’s Day of Mourning in memory of the 26 victims of the deadly shooting rampage at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, Conn.

Perry also encouraged places of worships and other buildings with bells to ring them 26 times in honor of each of the 26 victims.

“Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we find hope in the stories of courage and bravery that have emerged in the aftermath,” Perry said.

“This is an opportunity to join together in the spirit of healing, and in honor of those who were lost.”

Meanwhile, Baylor’s McLane Carillon will toll at 8:30 a.m. Friday in response to the request of Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy that bells across the nation be rung 26 times at 9:30 a.m. EST (8:30 a.m. CST) in memory of the lives lost last week.

Malloy has signed a proclamation declaring Friday a "Day of Mourning" in the State of Connecticut and requesting that residents statewide participate in a moment of silence at 9:30 a.m. He also requested houses of worship and government buildings that have the capability, to ring bells 26 times during that moment in honor of each life that was taken.