Today marks 22 years since the Columbine High School shooting. The fact that it’s been 22 years and yet the world seems to have learnt nothing absolutely shatters my heart. At the time it was the one of the deadliest shootings in modern history and now it isn’t even in the top ten. Take a second to let that sink in. Columbine has become a blue print, an inspiration to dozens of murderers and yet not enough is being done to stop this senseless slaughtering. We need to learn from the mistakes and missed warning signs of these kinds of events and use them to help detect other tragedies before they materialise. We need to be providing more mental health resources for people in crisis so we can convince them during these mental health crises that killing is not a solution. We, as human beings, need to learn to stop dehumanising the people who make these choices and much rather learn from their actions to intervene in the future.
Today isn’t solely focused on the politics and criticisms surrounding Columbine though. April 20th is a day to remember the 13 people who’s lives were tragically cut short by no fault of their own. Today we keep all those who’s lives were effected by this senseless tragedy, especially the friends and/or family of anyone who was injured or died, in our thoughts.
Cassie Bernall, 17 years old, was an avid rock climber and her favorite movie was Braveheart. She would be 39 years old today.
Steven Curnow, 14 years old, was an avid Star Wars fan and had dreams of being a Navy top gun pilot. He would be 36 years old today.
Corey DePooter, 17 years old, was a skilled sportsman who planned to join the Marines. He would be 39 years old today.
Kelly Fleming, 16 years old, was an avid reader and writer who was saving up money to buy a Mustang or a Corvette. She would be 38 years old today.
Matthew Kechter, 16 years old, was a dedicated athlete and straight-A student who always put academics first. He would be 38 years old today.
Daniel Mauser, 15 years old, was a member of the debate team and, as described by his father, “wasn’t ashamed to hug his parents”. He would be 37 years old today.
Daniel Rohrbough, 15 years old, was interested in electronics and was described as generous and family-oriented. He would be 37 years old today.
William “Dave” Sanders, 47 years old, was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and basketball coach who enjoying teaching computer and business classes. On the day of the massacre, he led over 100 students to safety before he was killed. He would be 69 years old today.
Rachel Scott, 17 years old, was an aspiring writer and actress who was described as vibrant and kindhearted. She would be 39 years old today.
Isaiah Shoels, 18 years old, was a football player who also enjoyed playing music on the keyboard, with dreams of being a comedian and a record producer. He would be 40 years old today.
John Tomlin, 16 years old, enjoyed lifting weights and driving his Chevy truck. He once drove it to Mexico to help build houses for the impoverished. He would be 38 years old today.
Lauren Townsend, 18 years old, was a candidate for valedictorian who spent her time playing volleyball, drawing, and volunteering at animal shelters. She would be 40 years old today.
Kyle Velasquez, 16 years old, was described as a “gentle giant” by his loved ones, always helping with household projects and telling his mom that he loved her every day. He dreamed of joining the Navy or becoming a firefighter. He would be 38 years old today.
Remember them. Say their names, tell their stories. If you can take the time to remember their killers then you sure as hell can at the very least take the time remember their names.
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