|
Nearly every current University of Idaho student has heard of the shooting death of David Boss in Moscow last spring. A shocking event like that is seared into the memory of an institution even after those who were close to it have moved away.
Over the years, however, even tragedies that shake an entire community, as Boss’ death did, fade to a vague recollection.
It is human nature, and perhaps American culture in particular, to write over our history after a relatively short time. We get fired up easily about the often horrific events that shake our day-to-day existence — Sept.11, the Columbine shootings, the Oklahoma City bombing. A few years later, though, they are little more than infrequent references in arguments for gun control and national security.
The personal nature of these events is the first element to be forgotten. Maybe this is because remembering more than the cold facts of a tragedy can bring up the pain experienced in the hours and days after it occurred. It is one of the most important elements to keep alive, however, because it can offer comfort and healing when it seems that only sorrow is left.
Boss was a meaningful part of many lives in Moscow and Boise. He is remembered as being a great friend who was passionate about soccer and all sorts of music — everything from death metal to Huey Lewis and the News. Several of his professors spoke to Boss’ parents to share how much he had contributed to the UI community.
In the May 2007 graduation ceremony, Boss’ parents received a standing ovation when they accepted a degree on his behalf.
These details, evidence of a life well lived and cut far too short, contain what little solace is available. They remind us of how intricately our lives are connected with a friend we help with homework, a teacher who takes the time to learn our names. When we remember a tragedy, the facts inform us of all the bad in the past, but the faces remind us of what good we can still see today.
— AL
A shocking event like that is seared into the memory of an institution even after those who were close to it have moved away.
Over the years, however, even tragedies that shake an entire community, as Boss’ death did, fade to a vague recollection.
It is human nature, and perhaps American culture in particular, to write over our history after a relatively short time. We get fired up easily about the often horrific events that shake our day-to-day existence — Sept.11, the Columbine shootings, the Oklahoma City bombing. A few years later, though, they are little more than infrequent references in arguments for gun control and national security.
The personal nature of these events is the first element to be forgotten. Maybe this is because remembering more than the cold facts of a tragedy can bring up the pain experienced in the hours and days after it occurred. It is one of the most important elements to keep alive, however, because it can offer comfort and healing when it seems that only sorrow is left.
Boss was a meaningful part of many lives in Moscow and Boise. He is remembered as being a great friend who was passionate about soccer and all sorts of music — everything from death metal to Huey Lewis and the News. Several of his professors spoke to Boss’ parents to share how much he had contributed to the UI community.
In the May 2007 graduation ceremony, Boss’ parents received a standing ovation when they accepted a degree on his behalf.
These details, evidence of a life well lived and cut far too short, contain what little solace is available. They remind us of how intricately our lives are connected with a friend we help with homework, a teacher who takes the time to learn our names. When we remember a tragedy, the facts inform us of all the bad in the past, but the faces remind us of what good we can still see today.
— AL
 Add as favorites (70) | Views: 765
|
