Parkland dad pays back-to-school tribute to daughter killed in school shooting
A dad posted a tribute in honor of his daughter who was killed in the Parkland shooting on Feb. 14, 2018 — in which 17 people were fatally shot, making it the deadliest high school shooting in U.S. history.
Fred Guttenberg tweeted about the tragedy on Wednesday, which marks 18 months since the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Broward County. Fla. Guttenberg shared the last photo he has of his daughter, Jaime, who was 14-years-old when she was murdered. She would have been entering her junior year of high school had she lived.
“Today is the first day of school in Broward County. It is also 18 months since Jaime's last day of school, 18 months since she an 16 others were murdered,” Guttenberg tweeted. “Here is the very last photo I have of her, taken with our puppy days before her murder. I miss my girl more every day.”
Today is the first day of school in Broward County. It is also 18 months since Jaime's last day of school, 18 months since she an 16 others were murdered. Here is the very last photo I have of her, taken with our puppy days before her murder. I miss my girl more every day. pic.twitter.com/Fv7Z3fp8Rc
— Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) August 14, 2019
People expressed their condolences. The dad’s tweet also acted as platform for people to rally for stronger gun control and bans on assault weapons.
“Our government continues to allow mass murders of our innocents,” one person responded. “Their inaction puts the blood on their hands.”
Our government continues to allow mass murders of our innocents. Their inaction puts the blood on their hands. My condolences to you and your family.
— Maureen Sabo (@seasonsantiques) August 14, 2019
Another thanked Guttenberg for his activism, and for working to keep other children safe.
“So beautiful so sweet, my heart breaks for you Fred,” wrote one Twitter user. “Thank you for everything you do to make sure no parent has to suffer the pain you have suffered.”
So beautiful so sweet, my heart breaks for you Fred. Thank you for everything you do to make sure no parent has to suffer the pain you have suffered. #BanAssaultWeaponsNow #GunControlNow
— VoteBlueNoMatterWho2020🔥 (@RileyPit) August 14, 2019
Another expressed how important it is for people to remember the tragic incident, so they don’t forget the “horror” and “loss” and continue to fight for stronger gun control legislation.
The courage and strength that it took to post this or do anything on this day must be enormous. By posting this you help those pushing for gun control legislation. It reminds people of the horror and loss that did happen and will continue to happen till common sense regulation.
— Chris Hawks (@CHawksRun) August 14, 2019
The grieving dad also tweeted about his daughter earlier this year, on the one-year anniversary of the Parkland shooting.
“Exactly one year ago, to the minute at around 7am, I sent two kids to school. Only my son Jesse came home,” his tweet reads. “Jaime was murdered in school. I am forever haunted by my memory of that morning, rushing my kids out the door rather than getting one last minute. Did I say I love you?”
Exactly one year ago, to the minute at around 7am, I sent two kids to school. Only my son Jesse came home. Jaime was murdered in school. I am forever haunted by my memory of that morning, rushing my kids out the door rather than getting one last minute. Did I say I love you? pic.twitter.com/s2IQHvDIcU
— Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) February 14, 2019
Guttenberg did not immediately respond to Yahoo Lifestyle’s request for comment.
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.
