Community Corner

Sea Bright Sandy Ground Open: Honors Angel Anne Marie Murphy, Recovery

Playground honors Anne Marie Murphy, victim, hero of Newtown, Conn. tragedy

"Celebrating the Life of Anne Marie Murphy; Teacher, Wife, Mother, Hero," the sign says, a warm smile looking back.

It's Murphy's smile. The Sandy Ground: Where Angels Play playground in Sea Bright is the first of 26 of its kind. It opened on a brisk, sunny Saturday afternoon.

Murphy was the special education teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut who, during the shooting, tried to shield young Dylan Hockley from a spray of bullets. Neither survived.

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In the sand at the foot of the sign are three shells with special messages for Murphy from her family.

Adorned with black and white memorial ribbons, the playground and its new signs mark rebirth in more ways than one.

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Take a look at the above photos for a glimpse into the first day for the playground. The slight chill in the air Saturday kept children at bay, but reminders of the opening were present.


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