Remembering life more than death

Remembering life more than death

Eight students, one professor, two years later. We still remember. The tragic events of the van crash between Tremonton and Logan rocked USU at the time and left a mark of sadness and emptiness. The loss of eight bright agriculture students was an especially big blow to this university with such a rich foundation and history in agricultural research. When events such as this occur, it is easy to feel the grief and despair that accompanies it at the time, but continuing to hold what happened in remembrance is something that is all too often lost. Losing touch with heritage and legacy is losing touch with the things that make USU great. The van accident is part of the history of this school and should be something to be held in remembrance. The tractor parade, sponsored by the Agriculture Technology Club, is a great memorial to the lives of the individuals who died in the crash. It’s easy to remember the deaths of these individuals but that doesn’t teach many lessons. A celebration of death distracts from the real tragedy – the vivid lives that these people lived. Each had a story to tell. Each had ambitions, goals, dreams and talents. They probably saw themselves as humble, everyday people. But taking a minute to examine their achievements highlights a principle that many people struggle to learn their entire lives: each life is valuable and each person contributes something to the world. Remembering the lives of the nine victims through the tractor parade celebrates life. The wreaths hung on the tractor that led the way tell a story in a fashion that an agriculture student could truly appreciate. These tractors symbolize their work, ambitions and future. It is fitting that these large, moving machines should stand as a symbolic monument. This is the second year in a row the tractor parade has been held. This effort to keep remembering should be applauded and the tradition should continue. But a once a year celebration cannot be the only memorial. Fortunately a bronze memorial is being designed to honor the victims and will eventually be displayed in the new agriculture building, an appropriate location for such a shrine. Though many students may not remember the students or professor that died in the crash, they can still feel a part of the memorial, as they belong to the same school. Students can also learn a valuable lesson that life is short and precious and each moment must be lived with passion and excitement. Celebrating life is valuable and on the memorial of the van crash, we get a chance to remind ourselves just how valuable life is.