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Remembering the Light

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Remembering the Light

By Jason Menard

Dec. 5, 2005 — Too often in our lives we are touched by tragedy, either directly or indirectly. And while the events are remembered and the perpetrators vilified, the victims often are forgotten.

As we reflect on the violence at École Polytechnique de Montreal 16 years ago Tuesday, many will remember the name of the man who killed these bright young women for no other reason than their gender. But we must never forget the names of those who were lost, for that would be the greatest tragedy.

Today we remember:

  • Geneviève Bergeron (1968-1989)
  • Hélène Colgan (1966-1989)
  • Nathalie Croteau (1966-1989)
  • Barbara Daigneault (1967-1989)
  • Anne-Marie Edward (1968-1989)
  • Maud Haviernick (1960-1989)
  • Maryse Laganière (1964-1989)
  • Maryse Leclair (1966-1989)
  • Anne-Marie Lemay (1967-1989)
  • Sonia Pelletier (1961-1989)
  • Michèle Richard (1968-1989)
  • Annie St-Arneault (1966-1989)
  • Annie Turcotte (1969-1989)
  • Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz (1958-1989)

But these 16 are not alone. Like Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffey, their names become part of the back story, overshadowed by our infatuation with the macabre. Their killers’ names roll off our tongues, but the victims’ names are lost in the recess of our mind.

It’s time that we make an effort remember the victims. It’s time that we make the memory of their names more important than the existence of those who ended their lives. And perhaps by remembering what we’ve lost, we’ll work harder to prevent actions like this from ever happening again.

Maybe it’s just a human defense mechanism wherein, after a period of time, we have to push one tragedy into the recesses of our memories not only to make room for the next one that comes, but also to help us deal with the depths of these tragedies. When taken as a whole, the grief and sorrow that comes from empathizing with all the victims of society’s ills can be overwhelming.

But to help us find the positives in this world, we have to focus on the good. We have to remember the bright lights that have graced us with their presence – not the dark souls who have snuffed them out.

On this day, we need to remember the light that shone from these 16 women. We need to realize that they, and many other like them, are the fires that burn brightest in this world, illuminating the darkness and making this world a place to live – not just exist.

So as you hold your candle aloft, look deep into its flame and embrace its light and warmth. It’s the only defense against the darkness in this world.

2005 © Menard Communications – Jason Menard All Rights Reserved