Denver, Colorado – On the eve of the 25th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, a vigil was held to honor the 13 victims of the tragic event. Among those remembered were students Rachel Scott, Kyle Velasquez, and Corey DePooter, who lost their lives in the deadliest school shooting in the nation at that time.
During the vigil, 13 empty chairs were adorned with candles as the crowd of about 150 people listened to the biographies of each victim being read aloud. After each reading, the crowd responded with a unified “never forgotten” as a bell tolled in remembrance.
The youngest victim, 14-year-old Steven Curnow, and the oldest victim, teacher Dave Sanders, 47, were highlighted during the ceremony. Sanders, who courageously saved hundreds of students during the attack, was praised for his bravery and the lasting impact he had on the lives he touched that day.
Family members of the victims also shared their stories, with Sanders’ daughter, Coni Sanders, expressing gratitude for her father’s heroism and the generations of individuals who exist today because of his selfless actions. The vigil, organized by gun safety advocates, aimed to not only remember those who lost their lives but also to draw attention to the long-lasting effects of gun violence on survivors and communities.
Tom Mauser, father of victim Daniel Mauser, emphasized the importance of taking action to reduce gun violence and urged the crowd to never forget the victims of Columbine. Former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, a gun safety advocate who survived a mass shooting, also spoke at the vigil, emphasizing the need for collective action to create meaningful change.
Nathan Hochhalter, whose sister Anne Marie was paralyzed in the shooting, shared his harrowing experience of being trapped in a classroom during the attack. He highlighted the importance of seeking help and support, noting the impact of trauma on survivors and their families even 25 years later.
The vigil served as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the ongoing impact of gun violence on individuals and communities. As the nation reflects on the 25th anniversary of the Columbine tragedy, the call for action to prevent future incidents remains a pressing concern for advocates and survivors alike.