Community honors victims on 5th year after massacre

One young woman, paralyzed in the shooting, said to show strength and advance.
LITTLETON, Colo. (AP) -- Steven Curnow loved the thrill of airplane turbulence. Matt Kechter enjoyed rolling cookie dough with his mother. Rachel Scott warmed to the feel of a newborn chick.
In a sunset vigil Tuesday marking the fifth anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre, survivors, friends and family honored the 13 victims in the most intimate of ways: Sharing memories.
Dawn Anna, mother of slain valedictorian Lauren Townsend, read to the crowd gathered in a park from a collage of remembrances honoring the dead. The poignancy was in the everyday detail, like how 47-year-old teacher Dave Sanders was happiest when he was with his wife and holding his grandchild up in the air.
"It's so difficult to believe that it is five years since we last held our loved ones," Anna said. "Now let our hearts see what our eyes cannot."
Tears mingled with messages of hope. Hundreds of candles flickered in the spring night. Doves and balloons were released into the sky.
"We all will never forget what happened that day, but we can move forward and prove that we are strong," said Anne Marie Hochhalter, who was paralyzed from the waist down in the attack.
Hochhalter told the crowd her mother committed suicide six months after the massacre but that she and other survivors have gone on to college and careers.
On April 20, 1999, two Columbine students slaughtered 12 classmates and a teacher before committing suicide.
Difficult anniversary
There have been other anniversaries, but many said this time seemed different -- and more difficult.
"Certain days are harder than others. This is one of them," said Joe Kechter, whose son, Matt, was killed. "We were told by counselors that the fifth would be harder. I don't know the reason, but it is true."
Members of the crowd of about 1,200 bowed their heads as four F-16 fighter jets soared over the grassy amphitheater in Clement Park, a few hundred yards from the suburban school.
The names of the dead were read aloud and a bell was rung each time.
"The most lasting tribute we could make to the treasured 13 we remember here tonight is to make the world a better place than when they left it," said Principal Frank DeAngelis.
For hours before the memorial, people came and went, and quiet groups left flowers near the school.
Debbie Oetter, 48, wept as she climbed down a small hill nearby, clutching a Bible to her chest.
"I don't know why this year hit me so hard," said Oetter, whose daughter was dating John Tomlin the day he was slain.
"This is my way of getting through today," she said. "It's been good to look at all the good things that have come out of the evil that day."
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