Montreal massacre victims to be remembered
Every year on December 6, I mark the anniversary of the Montreal Massacre by taking a moment of silence in class after reading the names of the murdered women. Talking to my students, the vast majority of whom have never heard of the events of 15 years ago even though it happened only about 90 minutes from here, I cannot help but compare the lives of the murdered women with those of my female students.
This story from the Globe and Mail reminds us of the lives behind each of these names.
Every year, in memorial ceremonies across the country, Genevieve Bergeron’s name is heard first when the list of the victims of Canada’s worst mass shooting is read.
The tragedy of her death overshadows her life for most Canadians. They’re seldom told she was a loving, inspirational sister, a top student, a gifted musician and a talented athlete.
I particularly like what Catherine Bergeron says about how we should remember her sister:
Catherine Bergeron acknowledges the gun law is part of her sister’s legacy but it’s not the only way she wants her to be remembered.
“I would like Canadians to remember her and the other 13 women, not to be sad but to go on in life in a better way,” she said.
“Think more about other human beings and be more open. More tolerant too.”
I hope we can all find some time in our classes on Monday, December 6 to remember the following young women in this way:
Victims of the Montreal Massacre at l’École Polytechnique on December 6, 1989
Geneviève Bergeron
Hélène Colgan
Nathalie Croteau
Barbara Daigneault
Anne-Marie Edward
Maud Haviernick
Barbara Klucznik Widajewicz
Maryse Laganière
Maryse Leclair
Anne-Marie Lemay
Sonia Pelletier
Michèle Richard
Annie St-Arneault
Annie Turcotte
In Canada, December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada. Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, this day coincides with the sad anniversary of the death of fourteen young women who were tragically killed on December 6, 1989 at l’École Polytechnique in Montréal because of their gender.