Louise De Sousa honored her daughter Anastasia’s memory by planting pink flowers in the Peace Garden at Dawson College on Friday. Anastasia tragically lost her life in a mass shooting at the college 20 years ago, along with 19 others who were injured. The ceremony on Friday, led by former Quebec premier Jean Charest, aimed to commemorate the event and highlight the resilience of the community.
The Peace Garden was established using flowers that were left at the school’s gates after the tragedy, symbolizing growth and remembrance. Attendees were invited to plant seeds as a tribute to Anastasia and to acknowledge the lasting impact of the shooting while finding comfort in the garden’s existence.
Survivor Hayder Kadhim, who sustained three gunshot wounds during the incident, reflected on the growth of the garden and the importance of unity and care among individuals. Kadhim emphasized the need for increased compassion and vigilance, especially in a society where isolation is exacerbated by technology.
Both Kadhim and Louise De Sousa advocate for stricter gun control laws, acknowledging that more work needs to be done to prevent future tragedies. Despite the pain of loss, they remain committed to their cause. On the upcoming anniversary, De Sousa plans to visit her daughter’s grave, keeping Anastasia’s memory alive along with the heroes of that fateful day.
The ceremony was attended by various political figures, including Quebec’s Domestic Security Minister Ian Lafrenière and Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada, who emphasized the importance of remembering the past to prevent similar tragedies in the future.