In a solemn memorial service held at the First Baptist Church in Denver, survivors, family members, and advocates gathered to honor the victims of the Columbine High School shooting on the eve of its 25th anniversary. Thirteen chairs, each adorned with a lit candle, stood as a poignant reminder of the twelve students and one teacher who lost their lives in the tragedy.

Tom Mauser, father of shooting victim Daniel Mauser and a strong advocate for gun safety, expressed how his grief has evolved over the last 25 years. He acknowledged that while the pain never truly goes away, the passing of time brings about a different kind of healing.

Former Columbine High School principal Frank DeAngelis, along with shooting victim Daniel Mauser's father Tom Mauser, Columbine teacher Kiki Leyba, and former Arizona congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who herself survived a mass shooting in 2011, were among those present at the memorial service.

Kiki Leyba, who was in his first year of teaching at Columbine when the shooting occurred, spoke about the enduring impact of the tragedy. Leyba, who continues to teach at Columbine, credited the supportive environment within the school community for helping him cope with the aftermath of the shooting.

The memorial service also featured alumni Nathan Hochhalter, who recounted his experience during the shooting and emphasized the importance of seeking help and support when facing challenging times.

Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, a vocal advocate against gun violence, briefly addressed the crowd, expressing her unwavering hope for a safer country and the need for collective efforts to bring about change.

During the vigil, attendees were encouraged to share their own experiences of where they were during the Columbine High School shooting, highlighting the wide-reaching impact of such tragedies. The vigil concluded with a moment of silence and a rendition of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World."

Reflecting on the prevalence of mass shootings in Colorado since Columbine, Adam Shore, executive director of gun violence prevention organization Colorado Ceasefire, expressed the need for increased public safety measures and expected renewed efforts for legislative action.

Despite the tragic legacy left by the Columbine High School shooting, progress has been made in enhancing student safety protocols. Tom Mauser noted the increased number of survivors and advocates actively working to testify and bring about change, highlighting the importance of learning from past tragedies to improve future safeguards.

As the nation grapples with the ongoing issue of gun violence, the memorial service served as a powerful reminder of the lives lost 25 years ago at Columbine High School and the collective responsibility to ensure that such tragedies are never forgotten or repeated.