PARKLAND, Fla. – South Florida marked four years since the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy with a day of service and two moments of silence Monday.
A moment of silent reflection took place at 10:17 a.m. in honor of the 17 lives lost in the school shooting on Feb. 14, 2018.
Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Vickie Cartwright read the names of the victims before bowing her head in silence.
Those killed in the attack were students Alyssa Alhadeff, Martin Duque, Nicholas Dworet, Jaime Guttenberg, Luke Hoyer, Cara Loughran, Gina Montalto, Joaquin Oliver, Alaina Petty, Meadow Pollack, Helena Ramsay, Alex Schachter, Carmen Schentrup and Peter Wang.
Also murdered were teacher Scott Beigel, athletic director Chris Hixon and assistant football coach and security guard Aaron Feis.
“Our district remains focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff,” Cartwright said. “I am humbled by the grace and courage of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School community and the resilience of all our students and employees.”
The school district’s “Day of Service and Love” had students and staff participating in a number of volunteer and service projects.
“We were kind and we donated books to those in need and we also made bookmarks,” said Natalia Felix, a 3rd-grader at Riverside Elementary School in Coral Springs.
“It’s just so important to give back to the community and model doing positive things, and just show the kids what’s right,” her teacher Mrs. Dressler said.
The Eagles’ Haven, a community wellness center created for the MSD community in Coral Springs, held activities Monday afternoon including meditation, painting, jewelry making and therapy dogs. They released 17 doves at 2 p.m. in honor of the victims.
Gov. Ron DeSantis asked that all Floridians pause for a moment of silence at 3 p.m.
Across the state, Florida government buildings, parks and other facilities flew their flags at half-staff on Monday.
President Joe Biden said his administration stands with the advocates working to end gun violence and urges the nation to uphold the “solemn obligation” to “keep each other safe.”
“Together, this extraordinary movement is making sure that the voices of victims and survivors and responsible gun owners are louder than the voices of gun manufacturers and the National Rifle Association,” Biden said in a statement.
For more information about Broward County’s day of service go to browardschools.com/serviceandlove.