(Columbia) Feb 8, 2003 - Governor Mark Sanford has formally apologized for the actions made by South Carolina highway patrol officers that resulted in what many call the Orangeburg Massacre.

On February 8, 1968, highway patrol officers opened fire at a group of African-American students protesting outside a segregated bowling alley. Three students were killed and 27 others were injured. The troopers said the protesters were armed, but the students said they were staging a peaceful protest. A memorial service was held at the South Carolina State University campus to honor those who lost their lives.

Although Sanford did not attend the memorial Saturday, he did issue a statement apologizing for the troopers actions, "I think it's important to tell the African-American community in South Carolina we don't just regret what happened in Orangeburg 35 years ago, we apologize for it."

Two years ago, former Governor Jim Hodges said the people of the state deeply regret the incident, but a spokesman said at the time it was not a formal apology.

On Friday, students at South Carolina State University said without the sacrifice of those who died, they would have nothing. SC State senior Mario Scott was at the memorial service. Scott said events like this helped change South Carolina schools, "If it wasn't for people like that, I maybe not be able to go to school today."

Senior Frederick Willis was also at the memorial service honoring victims of the tragedy, "They made the ultimate sacrifice. They and many other college students then. They are the reason I'm standing here today and receiving the kind of education I'm receiving."

Sanford is the first governor in history to publicly apologize for the actions of the highway patrol.

By Craig Melvin

Posted 6:00pm by Andrew Pierrotti