The Parkland, Florida, school building where a tragic shooting took place six years ago has started being torn down, a moment that evokes a mix of emotions for grieving parents. On Friday morning, as the demolition commenced, some family members of the victims observed the process from a distance.

The incident, which occurred in February 2018 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, stands as one of the deadliest school shootings in US history. The perpetrator, Nikolas Cruz, was sentenced to life without parole in November 2022.

In a gesture of inclusivity, authorities invited the families of the students who were slain in the massacre to witness the initial blows to the building. For Lori Alhadeff, whose 14-year-old daughter Alyssa lost her life, seeing the structure demolished is another step towards healing for her and her family. She expressed her relief, noting that her son still attends the school and has to walk past the building where his sister tragically died.

However, not all parents share the same sentiment. Gena and Thomas Hoyer, who tragically lost their son Luke during the shooting, had hoped that the building would remain standing as a tribute to the students who lost their lives. Mrs. Hoyer acknowledged the need for closure within the Parkland community and some of the affected families, though she personally finds it difficult to accept the building's destruction since it holds the memories of the last moments her son was alive.

The local school board in Broward County is yet to decide what will take the place of the demolished building. Prior suggestions from school administrators included establishing a field for the school's band or the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), along with a pathway leading to a temporary memorial that had been erected several years ago. Some of the students who were killed during the shooting were active participants in the school's band or the JROTC.

Tony Montalto, whose 14-year-old daughter Gina tragically lost her life that day, expressed his desire for a permanent memorial to replace the existing one. He emphasized that the affected families are an integral part of the community and deserve a lasting tribute.

As the demolition progresses, the Parkland community continues to grapple with the lasting effects of the devastating shooting. While the removal of the building may bring a sense of closure for some, for others, it serves as a reminder of the heartbreaking loss they endured. The decision regarding the future of the site will undoubtedly weigh heavily on the minds of those impacted by this tragedy.