Tributes pour in on 1st anniversary of Parkland shooting: 'I am forever haunted by my memory of that morning'
On Feb. 14, 2018, 17 people — 14 students and three staff members — were fatally shot at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., and another 17 were injured. The rampage by a former student now holds the distinction of being the deadliest high school shooting in U.S. history.
Thursday marks the one-year anniversary of the tragic event, prompting survivors, parents, friends and other loved ones to pay tribute to the lives lost: Alyssa Alhadeff, 14; Martin Duque, 14; Gina Montalto, 14; Alex Schachter, 14; Alaina Petty, 14; Jaime Guttenberg, 14; Cara Loughran, 14; Peter Wang, 15; Luke Hoyer, 15; Carmen Schentrup, 16; Helena Ramsay, 17; Joaquin Oliver; Nicholas Dworet, 17; Meadow Pollack, 18; Scott Beigel, 35; Aaron Feis, 37; and Chris Hixon, 49.
Guttenberg’s father, Fred; Pollack’s father, Andrew; and Petty’s brothers, Ian and Ryan, were among the grieving relatives sharing their memories on social media.
Exactly one year ago, to the minute at around 7am, I sent two kids to school. Only my son Jesse came home. Jaime was murdered in school. I am forever haunted by my memory of that morning, rushing my kids out the door rather than getting one last minute. Did I say I love you? pic.twitter.com/s2IQHvDIcU
— Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) February 14, 2019
Here are @PatrickPetty23 and his thoughts a year later. https://t.co/kQ33jHaurS
— Ian Petty (@iPetty) February 14, 2019
A year ago today I lost my Princess Meadow. Everyday hurts the same as the first.
Meadow, my life will never be the same without you, but I’ve been fighting everyday to make sure this never happens again.
I promise you I’ll #FixIt pic.twitter.com/OAYWNCvTo4
— Andrew Pollack (@AndrewPollackFL) February 14, 2019
can’t even grasp that tomorrow will mark one year without my other half. i miss you more than anything, JT. i wish i could tell you i love you one more time 🧡 https://t.co/mmNe4bqZUG
— Jordana Comiter (@jordanacomiter) February 13, 2019
My roommate and I just dyed our hair Teal for Carmen 💙 https://t.co/iRJopAD355
— Emma González (@Emma4Change) February 13, 2019
Debbie, I never thought 10 years after I lost you, I would lose our son Alex sending him to high school. Please take care of him. I love you, Max pic.twitter.com/gauQeXMNk8
— Max Schachter (@maxschachter) February 14, 2019
Today marks one year since the shooting at MSD.
To the millions of people who watched the horror unfold from their homes,
Thank you for caring. Thank you for telling our story. Thank you for helping us show that Parkland is stronger than anyone who tries to ruin us.
— Cameron Kasky (@cameron_kasky) February 14, 2019
I took this last year of my friend Nick Dworet, a true living and breathing angel on earth. he radiated warmth and love every step he took. His dedication to swimming had always left me in awe. Remember Nick today & the rest of the 16. Remember Parkland today. pic.twitter.com/E8Y9wNLq2j
— Kyra Parrow (@longlivekcx) February 14, 2019
Others, including Parkland survivor and activist David Hogg, announced their intentions to stay off social media for the grim anniversary.
We will be going dark for four days from February 14th through the 17th. During that time, if past trends continue, around 400 people in the U.S. will likely be shot to death.
— March For Our Lives (@AMarch4OurLives) February 13, 2019
Thank you for all the kind words and support in this difficult time for many famlies in Parkland.
I will be taking a break from Twitter for the next 3 days.
Please remember the people we're stolen from us that day; they are why we fight for peace.
— David Hogg (@davidhogg111) February 13, 2019
Stoneman Douglas, meanwhile, has designated Feb. 14 as a “Day of Service and Love.”
Eagles are ready to honor our Fallen Eagles with Service and Love! #2getherinServiceandLove #MSDStrong 🦅🦅 pic.twitter.com/zmljqfVA2N
— Principal Thompson (@PrincipalMSD) February 14, 2019
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle
Parkland dad slams Alyssa Milano’s comments blaming the NRA: ‘She needs to learn her facts’
Pulse nightclub tributes roll in on 2-year anniversary of shooting: ‘Today, the pain is the same’
Middle school graduates gifted bulletproof shields, which doesn’t inspire confidence
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.
