As a school boy in the United Kingdom, I read in shock and sadness of the tragic massacre at Columbine High School in the United States.
It seemed almost unbelievable to me that such an awful act of violence could be carried out by school pupils to such awful ends. It seemed so inhumane, so senseless, so savage.
I was, however, inspired and impressed by the bravery of the survivors and their families who lived to tell their tale and campaign to ensure that nothing like this would happen again.
When I visited Columbine High School in 2018, I was very moved to see this message:
“In September 2007, the Columbine Memorial was dedicated to the public as a “place of peace, comfort and reflection remembering all those who were touched by the events of April 20, 1999 at Columbine High School. The memorial stands as a symbol used to heal the community and change the narrative of violence among youth.”
So the good people of Colorado are clearly in my thoughts today as we hear of another tragic incident in the Centennial State.
My impression of Colorado was that of a dynamic, open place with a vibrant civic culture and an engaging media. I’m grateful to the US Department of State for organising the trip.
I commend the work of Gabrielle Rifkind and The Oxford Process and all those working in conflict resolution.
I am grateful to live in a free, safe and civil country and I support those seeking mediation and engagement in the political process over violence and division, while also having a sincere respect for those who serve.