$3-million needed for Columbine memorial

LITTLETON, Colo. -- The first memorial to victims of the Columbine High School massacre was a simple bouquet of red tulips left next to a leafless tree just hours after the April 20, 1999, shootings.

As the fourth anniversary of the attack approached, fundraising had begun for the biggest memorial yet: a $3-million structure featuring a tribute to each of the 13 victims.

Organizers hope the Columbine memorial will be built in time for the fifth anniversary.

"A memorial is really permanent and you need to take whatever time is necessary to honor the innocent people who died and ensure that it has the appropriate meaning for the community," said Brian Rohrbough, whose son, Danny, was among those killed.

In the worst school shooting in U.S. history, two Columbine students strode into the school, scattering bombs and gunfire. Twelve students and a teacher died before the gunmen committed suicide.

Mourners left a total of 1-million mementos in Clement Park next to the school, covering five acres with stuffed animals, dolls, paintings, cards, cassettes and other objects. Much of the material that could not be preserved, such as flowers, was recycled or sent to landfills. Some items were given to the victims' families, and the rest were donated to local historical societies.

As they grieved, victims' relatives, students and school officials created a foundation to replace the bullet-scarred library where 10 students died. They raised $3.1-million to build a new library and convert the old one to an atrium in 2001.

Now the foundation hopes to raise $3-million for a one-acre memorial near Clement park. About $600,000 has been committed so far, organizers said.

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