Wednesday was a day of reflection for the community of Chardon and the students of Chardon High School as they remember the tragic school shootings that left three students dead and three others wounded one year ago today.

NewsChannel 5 cameras were present as thousands walked to the Chardon square arm-in-arm dressed in red and black from the high school where a ceremony was held.

One of the parents said the community and school will move forward, despite not getting complete closure.

"I think Danny Parmentor's dad said it really well that there really isn't closure, you just keep moving forward," she said.

"That's the way I think we're going to be, I don't think you have closure I think you learn to live with the hold in your heart."

The gunman, T.J. Lane pleaded guilty Tuesday to the three murders of Daniel Parmertor, Russell King, Jr. and Demetrius Hewlin in addition to two counts of attempted aggravated murder and one count of felonious assault. He could face life in prison.

Another parent, Catie Thompson said the students did as well as expected, given that this was the first year since the shooting occurred.

"It's been difficult to see our kids go through what they've gone through, but I think today is a lot better than what we hoped for," Thompson explained.

"I think every first has been hard, so I think tomorrow will be a little bit better since it's the day after."

Joe Bergant, Superintendent for Chardon Local Schools says the loss of the three students will be forever engrained in the community's collective mind, but that they will learn to move forward.

"The loss of the three young men, Danny, Demetrius, and Russell will impact us all forever," he said. "We will heal."

The students walked in silence towards the town square, and one of the students told the TV station that their classmates were right there along with them in spirit as they made the trek.

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