On September 16, gunshots rang out in the third and fourth floors of Building 197 at the Navy Yard, killing 12 innocent people and wounding eight others. McLean High School students showed their appreciation and respect for the Navy and honored the memory of the victims by wearing the color navy blue to school on Thursday, Sept. 19.

Because many students knew people who worked in the Navy Yard, it was tragic for many families of the McLean High School community. Espen Holtar, father of senior Lasse Holtar, worked in the Navy Yard and was going to be transferred to the fourth floor of Building 197 the week of the shooting. Monday was his first day off in two years.

“Every massacre in America is a tragedy, and it’s the only western country that has it. But this was too close to me, and people I know were affected by it. That makes this so much more personal and serious for me,” Espen said. “I’ve been talking to my co-workers and they’re in shock, scared to go to work. I want to go to work though. That’s the easiest way for me to get over this.”

The Holtars are not the only family in the community to be affected by the Navy Yard shooting. Many adults in this area work there since McLean is so close.