Twenty years later, former students, families and local officials met in the college’s Peace Garden. The ceremony honored the victims and gave participants a chance to reflect on how the tragedy has shaped their lives.

Survivor Hayder Kadhim, who was hit in the leg, neck and head, said the anniversary reminds him of the resilience that followed the shooting. “It feels like 20 days ago,” he told reporters, adding that seeing the gathering was inspiring.

Another survivor, Meaghan Hennegan, explained that remembrance has turned into action. For the past two decades she has campaigned for stronger gun‑control laws, describing the work as a personal mission.

Louise De Sousa, Anastasia’s mother, planted three pink heather shrubs in the garden as a living tribute to her daughter. She said she believes Anastasia would be happy seeing the garden grow.

The commemoration illustrates how individuals can channel grief into advocacy and how a community can sustain its memory through shared activities and public dialogue.