I wish I could say something to you, Matt 
I wish I could tell you why it happened 
I wish I could say it was meant to be 
But no 
I can’t say anything to make it right 
You died for no damn good reason. 

We are all reminded, all too painfully 
There are those in our midst 
Who are so completely devoid of feeling for their fellows 
That they are capable of the most vile atrocities 
Unspeakable acts of terror and cruelty. 

We the vast majority who know the truth, the sanctity of life 
Must persistently and vehemently decry the degradation of others 
The persecution and injustice that are wreaked upon the innocent 
We must ensure that the victims of hatred and ignorance are not dishonored 
By our silence, our apathy or our fear. 

We will speak for you, Matthew 
We will teach our children to love 
We will teach our children to respect 
And we will never forget 
The loss of those who gave their lives to remind us how far we have to go 
Before we become a truly human race.