One year ago, two journalists were taken from us

Since 1992, more than 1,200 journalists have been killed while doing their jobs worldwide. For too long, we have thought of violence against journalists as something that happened somewhere else, but this year, we’ve seen that assumption proved false over and over as journalist come under threat in the United States. One year ago today, our journalism community lost two of its members in nearby Roanoke, and their deaths dealt our community, both locally and nationally, a devastating blow.

On August 26, 2015 – a young television reporter Alison Parker was setting up for a morning live shot with her colleague, photojournalist Adam Ward. They worked for WDBJ and like many of their fellow journalists they worked hard at their craft and hoped to make a difference in their community. That morning, they would file their last report. A former employee of the station ended their lives and their careers, and broadcast it for the world to witness.

Alison and Adam became the seventh and eighth journalists in the United States killed while on the job. But they were and are so much more than that. Through stories and videos we have come to know Alison and Adam as the people they were – filled with joy and good humor and professionalism. They lived vibrant lives. They were loved by family and friends. The sky was the limit for them. And the many lessons we have learned from their lives must not be forgotten.

We remember them today, and send our thoughts to those who knew and loved them.