San Diego (CNS)-Southwestern University held a commemorative event on Sunday to commemorate the 37th anniversary of the largest mass shooting in U.S. history at the time.

Southwestern University spokesperson Andre Harris said that the San Isidro Higher Education Center at 460 West San Isidro Avenue pays tribute to the 21 victims who died in the former McDonald’s restaurant on July 18, 1984 Place. the University.

In front of the center stands a monument with 21 hexagonal pillars on it, representing every victim. The memorial hall is decorated with flower displays.

Family members related to some of the victims also attended the commemoration.

The massacre occurred at a McDonald’s restaurant in San Ysidro. James Huberty, 41, was shot and killed by a police sniper about 77 minutes after the first fire was opened. 21 people were injured and 19 people were injured.

“Southwest College’s higher education center was built on the site of the former McDonald’s,” Harris said. “It’s like overcoming the tragedy of the community. The higher education center is seen as a more enduring education than hatred and violence.”

Southwestern University President and President Mark Sanchez said that this date “lives forever in our hearts. We stand with those whose lives have been changed forever by this tragedy. We grieve and mourn with the entire community, but we also want our Institutions can become a symbol of overcoming tragedy, hope over helplessness, and love over loss.”

Copyright 2021, City News Service, Inc.