Denver (KDVR) — reads the inscription “It brought the country to its knees, but now that we’re back on our feet, how are things different? What have we learned?” Columbine Memorial Healing Wall.
On April 20, 1999, two students invaded Columbine High School in Colorado, killing 12 students and one teacher and injuring more than 20 others. Although history has chosen not to repeat the shooter’s name, the community knows that the 13 victims will not be forgotten.
A quarter of a century later, the memories of those lost are still being passed down.
Those victims — Stephen Curnow, 14; Daniel Mauser, 15 years old. Daniel Lee Loebaugh, 15 years old. Kelly Ann Fleming, 16 years old. Matthew Kechter, 16 years old. John Tomlin, 16 years old. Kyle Albert Velasquez, 16 years old. Kathy Rene Bernal, 17 years old. Corey DePooter, 17 years old. Rachel Joy Scott, 17 years old. Isaiah Emmon Sholes, 18 years old. Lauren Townsend, 18 years old. and William ‘Dave’ Sanders, 47, were remembered at a vigil near the Colorado State Capitol on Friday night.
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FILE – A woman stands between crosses on the hill above Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo., in memory of those killed in the April 20, 1999 school shooting.(AP Photo/Eric Gay, File ) -
Visitors visit the Columbine Memorial on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 in Littleton, Colorado. As the 25th anniversary of the horrific Columbine High School shooting approaches, the trauma continues to haunt the survivors. (AP Photo/David Zarbowski) -
This photo taken through a fisheye lens shows people visiting the Columbine Memorial in Littleton, Colorado, on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. The trauma continues to haunt survivors of the horrific Columbine High School shooting as the 25th anniversary of the incident approaches. (AP Photo/David Zarbowski) -
A visitor looks at a plaque on the Healing Wall at the Columbine Memorial on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 in Littleton, Colorado. As the 25th anniversary of the horrific Columbine High School shooting approaches, the trauma continues to haunt its survivors. (AP Photo/David Zarbowski)
At the vigil, short biographies of the Columbine students were read out one by one, lit by small candles atop 13 empty chairs. After each session, the bell rang as attendees, including former Arizona congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who nearly lost her life in a 2011 mass shooting, answered, “We never forget.”
Mr. Sanders’ daughter, Koni Sanders, said her father saved hundreds of students and changed the world forever.
“The children he saved now have children, and their children will have children, so that generations to come will know of their existence because of his courage.” ” she said before the ceremony began.
The rally, organized by gun safety groups and other advocates, was a major public event to mark Saturday’s anniversary, but it was more subdued than in previous milestone years. . Daniel Moser’s father, Tom Moser, decided to hold the vigil after learning school officials were not planning to hold a large community event like they did for the 20th anniversary.
Speaking at the event, Moser urged the world to never forget the “victims of Columbine” and the “injured, traumatized and their families.”
Nathan Hochalter, whose sister Anne Marie was paralyzed in the Columbine shooting, described being trapped in a school classroom with about 30 other students as gunshots were heard nearby. They were rescued about four hours later by SWAT personnel, who assaulted them five times. Six months later, his mother, who suffered from bipolar disorder, asked to see a gun at a pawn shop, where she shot herself.
“I want to use this moment to let everyone know that no matter your situation, it’s okay to ask for help, whether it’s as a survivor 25 years later or someone who is struggling in any part of life. I want to tell you: These things come in waves and can hit you when you least expect it, and you should know that we are all here for you and that you are not alone. ” Hochalter said.
Columbine victims are also commemorated in Littleton’s Clement Park, where a memorial was installed in 2007. Each monument is engraved with personal statements from the families of those who died. Available for viewing online.
In addition to Friday’s vigil, Columbine students, staff and alumni are making plans day of service To honor and remember those who were killed.
“Join over 1,000 Columbine students, teachers, families, and community members as we remember the lives lost, reflect on lives forever changed, and commit to the power of service in our communities. Own community,” the organizers wrote.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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