Colorado Governor Ritter Commemorates 9th Anniversary Of Columbine Tragedy

April 19, 2008 -- Colorado Governor Bill Ritter issued the following statement today commemorating the ninth anniversary of the tragedy that occurred at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999:

"It is with great sorrow and a heavy heart that we pause this weekend to remember what happened at Columbine High School nine years ago. My thoughts, sympathies and prayers will forever be with the families, victims, students, teachers and others who lost so much that terrible day.

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Columbine Memorial, Littleton, Colorado: Photo by David Keyzer (CC)

"I am comforted in knowing that we as a state -- as a Colorado community -- are still learning lessons and sharing our experiences with the rest of the country and the world as we go on. And as the years go by, tragedy and tears continue to give way to hope, grace and compassion.

"Please join me as we remember those who were taken from us on April 20, 1999: Cassie Bernall, Steven Curnow, Corey DePooter, Kelly Fleming, Matthew Kechter, Daniel Mauser, Daniel Rohrbough, Dave Sanders, Rachel Scott, Isaiah Shoels, John Tomlin, Lauren Townsend and Kyle Velasquez."

Source: Colorado Governor