CHICAGO: The Gandhi Memorial Trust Fund held a memorial service last week for the students who lost their lives February 14 in the NIU campus shooting. State Representative Lou Lang, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, and other dignitaries joined with others in the community to mourn the loss of the students and renew efforts to provide better screening and better assistance for those with mental illness.

After placing white tulips in remembrance of one of the students, Congresswoman Schakowsky reminded those present that one student's picture was absent -- the perpetrator. She urged the adoption of better screening methods, the taking away of any stigma related to the sufferers of mental illness, and more resources devoted to those who suffer from mental illness and their families.District 219 Superintendent Neil Codell spoke of the tragedy and "the great works we will never know" because of this loss.

He referred to them as "our children" and reminded the audience that all have a part to play in keeping children whole and healthy, and helping them grow to adulthood. The memorial was held in the Petty Auditorium at Skokie Public Library on Saturday February 23.