The 25th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting was marked by a vigil where 13 victims of the tragic event were remembered. Among the victims were a girl who wrote to God in her diaries, a boy with learning disabilities who was learning to accept himself, and a teen who loved fishing. Short biographies of each victim were read aloud, followed by the crowd affirming that they would never be forgotten as a bell tolled. The oldest victim was teacher Dave Sanders, who saved many lives before being shot. The youngest to die was 14-year-old Steven Curnow.
The vigil, organized by gun safety advocates, was the main public event commemorating the anniversary. Family members of victims, survivors, and supporters gathered to honor those who had lost their lives and highlight the traumatic impact on those who survived. One of the victim’s fathers decided to set up the vigil after learning that no large community event was planned by the school. Former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, a gun safety advocate, was in attendance and shared her own experience of recovery and the necessity of small steps to create change.
Tom Mauser, the father of victim Daniel Mauser and a gun safety advocate, urged the crowd to never forget the victims of Columbine and to take action to reduce gun violence. He emphasized remembering the slain, injured, and traumatized, as well as their families. The atmosphere was one of remembrance and a call to action to prevent future tragedies. The event drew attention to the need for continued efforts to address gun violence in the United States and honor the memory of those lost at Columbine.
Nathan Hochhalter, whose sister was paralyzed in the Columbine shooting, shared his experience of being trapped in a classroom during the attack. He emphasized the importance of seeking help for trauma and mental health struggles, pointing out that these issues can arise unexpectedly even years after a traumatic event. Hochhalter’s own family experienced further tragedy when his mother, who struggled with bipolar disorder, took her own life after purchasing a gun. He used the moment to encourage others to reach out for support and to remind them that they are not alone in their struggles.
The vigil brought together a community of individuals impacted by the Columbine shooting, including survivors, family members, gun safety advocates, and concerned citizens. As candles flickered on 13 empty chairs, the memory of the victims was honored in a somber yet hopeful atmosphere. The event served as a reminder of the lasting impact of gun violence on individuals and communities, urging everyone to work together to prevent future tragedies. The strong message of remembrance and the call to action resonated with the crowd, emphasizing the ongoing need for change and unity in the face of gun violence.
