Year after Parkland massacre, thousands stop for 17 victims
Marjory Stoneman Douglas students Victoria Gonzalez and Liam Kiernan hug at school memorial. Shooting inflamed U.S. debate over guns, youth became political activists
Hundreds of thousands of students and adults across Florida and beyond observed a moment of silence Thursday to mark the first anniversary of the shooting rampage at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, which left 17 people dead.
“It’s a permanent sore spot,” said Fort Lauderdale High junior Jake Lynch. “Forever me going forward, I’ll feel this day, and this time and those names. It reminds me of where I want the world to be. From suffering, better things come out.”
The Feb. 14, 2018, massacre inflamed the U.S. debate over guns, turned teens into political activists and gave rise to some of the largest youth demonstrations since the war in Vietnam.
The moment of silence was observed at 10:17 a.m., though the shooting actually began around 2:20 p.m. School officials picked a different time because Stoneman Douglas students were being dismissed early to avoid being on campus at the hour of the attack. The decision to hold it at 10:17 was made in honour of the 17 slain.
Many Stoneman Douglas students arrived wearing the burgundy #MSDStrong T-shirts that have become an emblem of the tragedy. Outside, plastic figurines of angels were erected for each of the 14 students and three staff members killed.
Reporters weren’t allowed inside, but students were working on service projects, and grief counsellors and therapy dogs were made available. Students could also receive massages and pedicures. An interfaith service was scheduled for later in the day at a nearby park.
“I want to show respect to what happened,” freshman Matthew Sabia said. “The students who were here are probably sad and don’t want to think too much about it. We don’t really talk about it.” Many students skipped school. For some it was too emotional; others did not want to be in the spotlight. Alexis Grogan, a junior spent the day picking up beach trash, dedicating her work to those who died.
“I survived something and I don’t want to waste what I call a second chance at life, because those who have passed don’t get that,” she said. “We have to make a difference for them.”
Gunman Nikolas Cruz awaits trial.