On the eve of the 25th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, a solemn vigil was held to remember the 13 victims who tragically lost their lives in the horrific event. The vigil, organized by gun safety organizations and attended by approximately 150 people, took place at a church near the state Capitol.

As the flickering flames of small candles illuminated 13 empty chairs, the biographies of the Columbine students who perished, including Rachel Scott, Kyle Velasquez, and Corey DePooter, were read aloud one by one. After each biography, the crowd unitedly responded, "never forgotten," while a bell tolled in solemn remembrance.

The names of the other victims, Cassie Bernall, Kelly Fleming, Matt Kechter, Daniel Mauser, Dan Rohrbaugh, Isaiah Shoels, John Tomlin, and Lauren Townsend, were also acknowledged at the vigil. Coni Sanders, the daughter of one of the victims, expressed her gratitude for her father's heroic actions, which saved the lives of many students. She emphasized the lasting impact he has had on future generations, as the children he saved now have children of their own.

This year's anniversary commemoration was more subdued compared to previous milestone years. Alongside honoring the victims, the vigil drew attention to the wounded survivors and those who suffered trauma from the shooting. Tom Mauser, father of Daniel Mauser, set up the vigil when he learned that school officials had no plans for a large community event similar to the one held on the 20th anniversary.

Addressing the crowd, Tom Mauser, who has become an advocate for gun safety, urged attendees never to forget the victims of Columbine and encouraged them to take action to reduce gun violence. He reiterated the importance of honoring those who lost their lives and the impact the tragedy had on the survivors and their families.

The vigil also received support from political figures, including President Joe Biden, who issued a statement highlighting his administration's efforts to combat gun violence. He emphasized the need for universal background checks, a national red flag law, and the banning of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, while reinforcing that Congress must play its part in enacting these measures.

Former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who became an advocate for gun safety after surviving a mass shooting, attended the vigil and shared her own journey of recovery. She urged everyone to join together and work towards effecting change, emphasizing that progress takes time and collaboration.

Nathan Hochhalter, whose sister Anne Marie was paralyzed in the Columbine shooting, shared his personal experience of being trapped in a classroom with other students during the attack. He also revealed the tragic aftermath of his mother's suicide, which occurred six months later. Hochhalter encouraged individuals to seek help, reminding them that support is available, whether they are survivors of the shooting or anyone struggling with their own circumstances.

As the nation remembers the 25th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, the vigil served as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the urgent need for action to prevent future tragedies. The call for change reverberates, fueled by the shared determination to create a safer society for all.