CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn issued the following statement on the sixth anniversary of the NIU tragedy of Feb. 14, 2008:
"Today is a day to reflect. Six years ago today, Illinois lost five young men and women in a tragedy that shook the entire nation. We will never forget the pain and sadness that we all felt when tragedy hit home.
"Since that day, we have grown by coming together as a community. The NIU family came together to remember the joy we shared with those we lost and the lessons we can all learn from them.
"Five bells will be rung today at NIU in memory of Catalina Garcia, Daniel Parmenter, Gayle Dubowski, Julianna Gehant and Ryanne Mace. We will never forget them.
"May God rest their immortal souls, and may we always use the example of their families and community in finding strength in difficult times."
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