Posted by Miss Erin on April 27, 1999 at 16:43:35:
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your prayers and continued support. Today, I wanted to share with you the Columbine Senior Senate's address to the general public that appeared in the Rocky Mountain News two days ago. I would have done this sooner but I went down to Clement Park/Columbine yesterday and I was a little overwhelmed.
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""We, the students of Columbine High School, would like to tell the world that we have not, are not, and never will succumb to the hate and violence that has recently dampened the fabric of our school. Our hearts and minds can never forget the recent events, but our souls will always carry the pride and love that we have for CHS. The sores that afflict us will heal through the faith we have in each other.
The entrance to our school will always read, "Through these halls pass the finest students in America ," because we believe that our school guides us to become better than we are, and more than we were ever supposed to be. We are stronger than any one person can ever fully realize. Our strength radiates from from our teachers and community who believe in us, and because the history of our school has embedded in us the strength of each and every class before.
Each student that has passed through these halls has left a piece of themselves that fortifies the building we call home. This building is not made of brick or stone or mortar but of memories, of love, of pride and no earthly power can take that from us. We cherish the differences we have and the characteristics that define are school. This is who we are. We are Columbine! We are the young adults who will lead the world in the future. We will not go quietly into submission but will fight for what we know is right and for the burden we carry on our hearts.
The sun still rises to ignite the walls of Columbine High School in all its glory. The grass on our fields of sport still grows beneath the blanket of snow that drapes our state. One day soon, students of Columbine will fill the halls and crowd the classrooms. We will retake our school and build it stronger than anyone could have dreamed. The mural that paints the school history is unfinished and when completed will likely span the world over. If one thing holds true in this time of despair, it is that we will survive.
Furthermore, we would like the world to see us as a symbol of hope and not an example of the regression in our society. We are a vision of hope because this community has been magnified tenfold by the love that has inundated our lives from around the world. Each and every gesture, act or thought directed toward us has built an indestructible bond that holds tight to everything that is right or good. We are a vision of hope because the same walls that have been built by our school can be built throughout the world.
In the years to come we would like the history books to say that on April 20, 1999, Columbine High School united the world in creating a better place for the future. If we remember this as a tragedy, then we aredishonoring the people who have aided us in our struggle, and taking in vain the lives that were stolen."
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I hope this inspires you all. Please continue to pray for us in Denver as we sort out what has happened here. I will only be on line for a few more days as I am moving
but I want to thank again, the people from around the country who have written to show their support. God Bless You.
Erin