Hundreds of balloons flew into the air yesterday in memory of the lives lost last year.

Over 200 people gathered outside Cole Hall as a way to remember the tragedy.

Huskies United President Justin Kuryliw said this event was important to the organization.

“We felt like we had to do something in remembrance, and we felt that this was the best way for us to contribute,” Kuryliw said.

Five minutes of silence were held at 3:05 p.m. to mark the time of the shooting. At 3:10 p.m., five white balloons were let go first to represent the lost lives. Following that, 495 red and black balloons were released.

“Having it on Thursday was very significant with it associating to the shooting happening last year on a Thursday,” said Erica Osher, who works in public relations for Huskies United.

Huskies United secretary Ryan Sego said they weren’t supposed to have 500 balloons originally.

“We were going to have just five balloons, because we didn’t have enough helium,” Sego said. “But an employee from Airgas donated us enough helium to have 500 balloons, which was really great of him.”

Students at the event liked the idea of the ceremony.

“I thought it was a great idea and great way to remember the five victims,” said junior English major Lauren Berndl.

Sophomore history major Kaylee Walters walked by and noticed the crowd of people.

“I was wondering if someone was going to do something today for the one-year anniversary, and it made me happy to find that there was,” Walters said.

Huskies United has been organizing other events for Feb. 14 including ribbon making and Huskie Hugs.