Columbine, Virginia Tech Anniversaries: Reverence, Vigilance, Prevention

Columbine, Virginia Tech Anniversaries: Reverence, Vigilance, Prevention
Mourners during Virginia Tech's Day of Remembrance honoring the 32 people killed in a mass shooting one year earlier, in Blacksburg, Va., on April 16, 2008. Mario Tama/Getty Images
Vincent J. Bove
Updated:

As America commemorates the anniversaries of the Columbine High School and Virginia Tech tragedies on the fateful days of April 16 and 20 respectively, we must pause.

The events demand reverence for those who lost their lives and prayer for their families.

Vigilance, especially during these tragic anniversary times, is also in order. An abundance of caution must be the foundation of mitigation, prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery principles of crisis management.

Columbine: A Snapshot

On April 20, 1999, two students killed 12 students and one teacher at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, before committing suicide. The tragedy sparked a national response on school violence, bullying, character education, crisis planning, warning signs, police tactics, and firearms.

The cover of the study "Campus Attacks" released in April 2010. (Courtesy of FBI, U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Secret Service)
The cover of the study "Campus Attacks" released in April 2010. Courtesy of FBI, U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Secret Service
Vincent J. Bove
Vincent J. Bove
Author
Vincent J. Bove, CPP, is a national speaker and author on issues critical to America. Bove is a recipient of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award for combating crime and violence and is a former confidant of the New York Yankees. His newest book is “Listen to Their Cries.” For more information, see www.vincentbove.com