APRIL 20, 1999 - LITTLETON, COLO.
Vigil honors teachers, victims
Staff members praised for efforts to save students
By Christopher Anderson
Camera Staff Writer
More than 600 educators from around Colorado gathered Thursday to praise the bravery and selflessness of teachers at Columbine High School during the massacre there and to mourn the deaths of teacher Dave Sanders and student victims.
The meeting was a special memorial organized by the National Education Association and the Jefferson County Education Association.
"I am sick at heart," said Bob Chase, president of the National Education Association. "Nobody should have to hold a memorial for children and for teachers gunned down in their schools. Schools should be sanctuaries."
About a half-dozen speakers, including Jefferson County School District Superintendent Jane Hammond, touched on the need to reach out to those youths who are most troubled and make sure they get help. They also thanked Columbine staff members for their quick efforts to save lives.
"We know that hundreds and hundreds of students would have been killed if it were not for the actions of our staff," Hammond said.
The memorial was attended by Gov. Bill Owens, who paid his respects to Colorado's teachers.
"I have heard of the heroism that went on inside that classroom," Owens said. "Thank God, we have teachers like Dave Sanders."
In a special letter addressed Thursday to the Colorado Education Association, President Bill Clinton extended his thoughts and prayers to the Columbine community, specifically mentioning David Sanders.
"We may never be able to make sense of what happened Tuesday," the Clinton letter said. "But in the face of such tragedy, we have seen what is best in your community.
"We have seen the uncommon courage and selflessness of the teachers of Columbine High School who, in the midst of sheer terror and chaos, never forgot their responsibility for the young people in their care. They risked their lives to shield their students from danger and lead them to safety.
"One of your colleagues, David Sanders, gave his life doing just that. My heart goes out to his family, to his students who tried to save his life, and to all those who knew and loved him."
Boulder Valley Education Association member Willie Knierim, said this day is an eye-opener to realize that the safety of schools is "all of society's responsibility, rather than just that of teachers and administrators."
April 23, 1999
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BACKGROUND
Full index of the shooting Reconstruction of the shooting Timeline Location the school Floorplan Weapons used
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AUDIO
'Friend of Mine' Listen to the Columbine Memorial song sung by Columbine students Jonathan and Stephen Cohen.
911 tapes
Interview with Arun Ghandi |
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PHOTOS
A Daily Camera photo essay detailed the tragedy of April 20 and the recovery and remembrance in the following weeks: photo essay
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INTERACT
In light of the shooting on April 20, should the state legislature allow people to carry concealed weapons? vote here
With the recent rise in school violence, do you feel schools are still safe? vote here
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THE INVESTIGATION
Gunmen paid for weapons, teenager claims CHS investigators focus on computers Investigators try to disprove third CHS shooter Man charged with selling handgun to child FBI investigator's son linked to case Agents creating models of Columbine Teen targeted by sheriff denies involvement in school attack Arrest in Columbine shooting Killer reportedly took Luvox antidepressant Officials no closer to arresting suspects Detectives question shooter's girlfriend Security videotapes at school may show whether gunmen had help Bombs found in cafeteria Portraits of the killers Killer's diary describes plot of hate |
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SCHOOL VIOLENCE
Violence in Georgia School violence stuns nation Teen wounds six fellow students Teens charged in alleged school attack plot Michigan teenagers charged in plot Other school shootings 1927 school bombing killed nearly 40 children Suspensions, arrests across country La. school site of another shooting Facts: Death in schools 'Blood in the School Yard', from the Cincinnati Post full series |
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REACTION
High schools' 'cult of the athlete' under scrutiny Parents of Columbine shooters sued Suit planned against parents of Columbine High shooters Columbine spurs interest in home schools Columbine healing fund raises $2.3 million Safe Night aims to curb youth violence CU frat shows support for Columbine 'Healing bear' arrives to help in Littleton Doctors: Guilt a normal reaction for survivors School security business surges Media the message? Broomfield couple campaigns to 'Erase the Hate' Clint Talbott - BVSD rejects dress code What now? Video of Clinton's Wednesday morning speech Video of Clinton's Tuesday speech
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GUNS AND LAW
GOP tinkers further with gun legislation Columbine dad lobbies Washington Group forms to back gun control Poll says two-thirds in U.S. support tougher restrictions on guns Senate passes more gun controls Columbine killers also wounded the NRA Senate rejects any new restrictions on gun-show sales Dems want special session Gun control strife House won't debate gun bill New gun laws on table Leaders scrap gun bills Guns and legislatures |
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HOW TO HELP
- The Denver Rocky Mountain News has established a drive to raise money for a memorial to the victims of the Columbine High School tragedy. Contributions may be mailed to the Columbine Memorial Fund, c/o The Jefferson Foundation, 809 Quail St., Building 1, Lakewood, CO 80215.
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