A Quarter-Century of Remembrance

As the sun rises today, casting a gentle light upon the Columbine community, I’m drawn back to the dawn of another day like any

other 25 years ago. Within hours, the day became a defining moment in our history. In a moment of madness punctuated by echoes of fear and heartbreak, our lives changed. Time stood still and lives were shattered. 

A quarter of a century has passed since darkness and fear shrouded a thriving school and a vibrant community. I find myself bracing for the wave of emotions that inevitably comes crashing in. It’s a day that holds a somber weight.

Over the years, I’ve learned to accept being awash in sadness on this day. For it is a day to remember. We must never forget. Many of us made that promise as a lasting tribute, because time often has a way of washing memories away. Perhaps time is the natural ointment to heal our wounded souls.

Sadness on this day isn't a sign of weakness; it's a testament to our humanity. It's okay to feel the weight of loss, the ache of absence, and the sting of what might have been. These feelings are a natural part of a grieving process that knows no shelf life. It’s a way for our hearts to honor and remember the 13 beautiful souls who were taken from their families, loved ones and friends. Embracing this sadness doesn't mean we're stuck in the past; it means we're acknowledging the depth of our love and our loss.

The faces and the stories of 12 beautiful children and a remarkable teacher and coach touched our lives, not because we knew them personally, but because of the innocence lost and for how their lives would have touched others today. These are the images we must hold onto, for it is what keeps their spirit alive in our hearts. Time may move forward, but the memory of the Columbine victims - and the casualties of so many more senseless school shootings - must be burned into our conscious as a constant reminder of the preciousness of life and fragility of our own existence.

We will remember the broken hearts and fractured lives left to mend and seek answers to fleeting questions. The survivors and wounded marked by emotional and physical scars. Those who wrestle with the guilt of surviving and forgiving. Those who must find a sanctuary of peace and comfort over the loss of a child, a brother, a sister, a friend, a father and husband. And, those who valiantly pushed aside the darkness that threatened to overcome them to return to teach and lead, and by doing so, demonstrated that good does overcome evil.

The lessons from Columbine extend far beyond that tragic day. They speak to the importance of community, connection, understanding, and empathy. In a world that can often feel divided, Columbine reminds us of our shared humanity, our shared struggles, and our shared hopes. It's a call to listen more, to judge less, and to reach out with love and understanding to those around us.

I also feel a sense of hope and faith. I’ve come to believe that HOPE springs eternal and heralds a triumph of sorts, as each year the light of healing extends further into the shadows of sadness, and FAITH is the confidence for what we hope for, to be certain for that which we cannot see.

Today, as I do each year, I give thanks for those who banded together to help us put shattered lives, a school and a community back together. Who bore the brunt of intense criticism for shielding students and staff from the crush of media, and for establishing a professional standard that humanized a profession.

I am forever grateful to all who gave so much of their time and talents, especially our Jeffco Community Relations Team: Marilyn Saltzman, Christian Anderson, Jean Wendelin, and our guiding light, Jennifer Wayman Reeve.

On this day, when reflection pains the soul and washes it with tears, may we remember Cassie, Steven, Corey, Kelly, Matt, Daniel M., Daniel R., Rachel, Isaiah, John, Lauren, Kyle, and Coach Dave.

They touched our lives. May their memory be a symbol of hope for us all.

As I reflect on this solemn anniversary, I pray we all look forward with hope. Let us honor the memories of those lost at Columbine, Sandy Hook, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Oxford, Uvalde and so many more schools and communities shattered by school violence by committing ourselves to creating a world filled with compassion, kindness, and love. A world where every individual feels valued, understood, and supported.

Let us take a moment today to reflect, to remember, and to honor the lives that were lost. May their memories be a beacon of light, guiding us towards a future filled with hope, love, and unity.

We have never forgotten. We never will.