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35th Anniversary Vigil Honors Victims of Stockton Elementary School Shooting
A vigil is set to take place on Wednesday to commemorate the 35th anniversary of a tragic mass shooting at Cleveland Elementary School in Stockton. The event aims to remember the victims and raise awareness about the impact of gun violence.
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A Dark Day in Stockton’s History
On January 17, 1989, the peaceful atmosphere at Cleveland Elementary School was shattered when Patrick Purdy, a former student of the school, entered the playground armed with a semi-automatic rifle. In a horrifying act of violence, Purdy unleashed a barrage of gunfire, firing 106 rounds in just three minutes.
The devastating attack resulted in the loss of five innocent lives, with an additional 30 students sustaining injuries, according to Cleveland School Remembers, a nonprofit organization founded by survivors of the shooting. Purdy ultimately took his own life as first responders arrived at the scene.
A Painful Reminder
The Stockton tragedy was one of the deadliest school shootings of the late 20th century until the infamous Columbine High School massacre in 1999. As the community comes together to mark the 35th anniversary, the event serves as a painful reminder of the lasting impact of such acts of violence.
An Evening of Reflection and Remembrance
The anniversary vigil, organized by Cleveland School Remembers, will be held at 5 p.m. on Wednesday at the Central United Methodist Church on 3700 Pacific Ave. in Stockton. The event is open to all and aims to provide a space for healing and reflection.
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During the vigil, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with music, poetry, and speeches by community leaders, including former Cleveland Elementary student Cuong Nguyen. These heartfelt contributions will shed light on the profound effects of gun violence on individuals and communities.
A Call for Change
The vigil serves as a platform to advocate for meaningful change in the face of ongoing gun violence. By bringing attention to this tragic event, the organizers hope to encourage dialogue about effective gun control measures and the importance of mental health support.
As the community gathers to remember the lives lost and affected by the Stockton elementary school shooting, it is a stark reminder that the fight against gun violence continues. Together, we can work towards a safer future for all.
About the Author
Victoria Franco is a reporter based in Stockton, covering San Joaquin County for Bay City News Foundation and its nonprofit news site Local News Matters. As a proud Stockton native and a San Jose State University alumna, Franco is committed to delivering diverse and impactful news stories to her community. She encourages readers to reach out with story ideas and tips at victoria.franco@baycitynews.com.
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