Denver, Colorado – On the eve of the 25th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, a somber vigil was held to honor the 13 victims who lost their lives in the tragic event. The gathering, attended by about 150 people, included heartfelt tributes to students like Rachel Scott, Kyle Velasquez, and Corey DePooter, as well as other victims of the devastating shooting.
Each of the 13 victims was remembered as their biographies were read aloud, accompanied by the collective response of “never forgotten” from the mourners in attendance. Among those killed were individuals with promising futures, such as Steven Curnow, the youngest victim at 14, and teacher Dave Sanders, who heroically saved countless students before being fatally shot.
The vigil, organized by advocates including gun safety organizations, emphasized the lasting impact of the tragedy on survivors and the importance of never forgetting those who were impacted. Attendees were urged to take action to prevent gun violence and support those affected by the traumatic event.
Throughout the ceremony, poignant moments unfolded as family members of the victims shared their stories of loss and resilience. Coni Sanders, the daughter of teacher Dave Sanders, spoke of her father’s bravery and the generations of lives he saved through his selfless actions.
Former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, a champion for gun safety, also addressed the crowd, underscoring the need for collective action to bring about meaningful change. Her call to arms resonated with attendees, who were moved to stand up in support of her message.
As the vigil concluded, emotions ran high as survivors like Nathan Hochhalter shared their harrowing experiences and the ongoing impact of the tragedy. Hochhalter’s poignant reminder that it’s okay to seek help in times of struggle underscored the importance of community and support in healing from trauma.
The vigil stood as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the resilience of those who survived, serving as a powerful call to action in the ongoing fight against gun violence. As the nation reflects on the 25th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, the legacy of those who perished serves as a beacon of hope for a future free from such senseless tragedies.