Class is not in session at Columbine High School on Wednesday, which marks 17 years since one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history.
Two teenagers carried out the Columbine attacks on April 20, 1999, a date forever ingrained into the minds of Littleton, Colorado, residents – and the entire nation.
Eric Harris, 18, and Dylan Klebold, 17, killed 12 students and a teacher on that tragic day. They went on to injure 23 others before finally turning the guns on themselves.
“Out of respect and remembrance for the 13 loved ones who were lost in 1999, as well as the countless individuals impacted by this terrible incident, we will continue to honor the tradition of not holding classes on April 20 and will approach this day in a way that allows members of our school community the opportunity to take care of themselves in the manner that best suits everyone’s respective, personal needs."
At 11:20 a.m. Wednesday, the school will hold a moment of silence in the HOPE Columbine Memorial Library, which is open to staff, as well as current and past students. As usual, former Columbine principal Frank DeAngelis is expected to attend.
