Louise De Sousa recently dedicated pink flowers in the Peace Garden at Dawson College to honor her daughter Anastasia’s favorite color. Anastasia tragically lost her life at the college during a mass shooting 20 years ago, with 19 others injured in the incident. The commemoration ceremony held on Friday emphasized remembrance and resilience.
Jean Charest, who served as Quebec’s premier during the shooting, expressed that the ceremony symbolized a moment of hope and inspiration. The Peace Garden was established using flowers that were initially laid at the school’s gates after the tragedy, serving as a lasting tribute. Attendees were encouraged to plant seeds in the garden to honor Anastasia’s memory and reflect on the profound impact of the shooting while seeking solace in the garden’s growth.
Survivor Hayder Kadhim, who sustained three gunshot wounds during the tragic event, highlighted the significance of new individuals, like current Dawson students, contributing to the garden’s development, despite not being present at the time of the shooting. Kadhim fondly remembered Anastasia as a “beautiful soul” and emphasized the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
Advocating for stronger gun control measures, Kadhim and De Sousa continue to push for stricter regulations, especially in the wake of recent tragic events. They underscore the ongoing need for proactive efforts to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
As the 20th anniversary approaches, De Sousa plans to visit her daughter’s grave and gather with family to celebrate Anastasia’s life and remember the heroes of that fateful day. The event was attended by political leaders, including Quebec’s Domestic Security Minister Ian Lafrenière and Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada, who emphasized the importance of never forgetting the past to prevent future tragedies.
The legacy of Anastasia and the impact of the Dawson College shooting remain deeply ingrained in the collective memory, serving as a constant reminder of the need for continued advocacy and support for gun control measures.
