“It is
difficult to comprehend senseless violence on this scale. Our prayers are with
the families and friends of these victims, and members of the extended Virginia
Tech community...I urge Virginians to keep these victims and their families in
their thoughts and prayers.” -- Tim Kaine, Governor of the Commonwealth of
Virginia
Mr. President and Mrs. Bush and to all who are part of this Virginia Tech
community in this room, on this campus, worldwide today: It is a very bitter
and sad day, and yet my wife Anne and I are very privileged to be here with you,
and there is nowhere else in the world we would rather be than with you at this
moment.
As Charlie [Steger, Tech University president] mentioned, Anne and I had
left on Sunday morning from Richmond to go on a two-week trade mission to Asia.
One of the events is actually an event in India to spotlight a wonderful program
of Virginia Tech's. We had been in Tokyo in the hotel for about five hours and
we were awakened with a call about one in the morning to report the horrible
tragedy on this campus, and we were stunned. Our first thought was that we need
to get home – we need to be in Blacksburg, with this community that we care so
much about.
We had the experience of being up in the middle of the night and not being
able to get home for about 10 hours. So we did what people all across the world
had been doing in the last couple of days. We sat there at first in our hotel
room and then in a coffee shop and then in an airport waiting lounge with the
television on watching to get news about on what was happening on the campus and
how the campus was handling this.
It was different being away from home, being half-way across the world,
and seeing what was happening on this campus, and what you, you students were
showing to the world. And even in the midst of the darkest day in the history
of this campus, what you showed to the world yesterday – you students – was an
amazing thing.
Again, and again, and again, and from all these various news outlets, the
students were called forth to offer their thoughts and asked what they thought
about their campus and how they were dealing with this tragedy. The grief was
real and very raw and the questions were deep and troubling – but again the
students came back wearing the Virginia Tech sweatshirts, wearing the Virginia
Tech caps, and the incredible community spirit, and sense of unity here on this
campus and how – before it was about who was to blame or what could have been
done different – it was about how we take care of each other in this wonderful,
wonderful community. How proud we were even in the midst of a sad day, to see
how well you represented yourselves and this university to a world-wide
community!
There are deep emotions that are called forth by a tragedy as significant
as this; grieving and sadness by the boatload. Anne and I have unashamedly shed
tears about this and I know virtually all of you have as well. That is the
thing we should be doing. You should be grieving. There are resources here on
this campus and others who are on this campus to help you if you find need for
consolation that is so important.
A second reaction – that is a natural reaction – is anger. Anger at the
gunman, anger at the circumstance, what could have been done different. If
something had happened – that’s natural as well. One of the most powerful
stories in the human history of stories of that great story central to Judaism,
Islam and Christianity: the story of Job from the Old Testament, afflicted with
all kinds of tragedy in his family and health, and he was angry. He was angry
with his circumstances. He was angry at his Creator. He argued with God and he
didn’t lose his faith. It’s OK to argue. It’s OK to be angry. Those emotions
are natural as well.
And finally the emotions of the family members most affected, beyond grief
– losing a son, losing a daughter, a brother, a sister, losing a close friend.
You can go beyond grief to isolation and feeling despair. Those haunting words
that were uttered on a hill on Calvary: “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken
me?”
Despair is a natural emotion at a time like this. They’re all natural,
they’re all appropriate – but let me ask one thing of you, this community, as
you wrestle with your sadness, as you wrestle with your own feelings of anger,
of confusion; as you wrestle with the despair, even you family members who have
lost people so close to you: Do not let go of that spirit of community that
makes Virginia Tech such a special place. Do not lose hold of that.
You need it as a university because you’ve always had it. You need to
maintain it. We do not need that spirit of community to be a victim of
yesterday. No, you need that.
You, as a community unified together – there is so much you can do for
these family members to help bear them up, to help them deal with their grief.
If you are unified there is an incalculable amount you can do to help family
members and friends deal with the loss.
We need in Virginia that spirit of community that you have here. We are
bold enough to call ourselves, not a state, but a Commonwealth. A state is a
dotted line, a state is a political subdivision – but Commonwealth has a
meaning. The meaning is what we have, the god-given and man-made resources that
we have, we hold in common for a community. And you at Virginia Tech can be
that community and demonstrate that community for us in a way that will benefit
the entirety of Virginia.
And finally, I would say to you from having that vantage point of hearing
about this on the other side of the world: It is not just you that needs to
maintain the spirit; the world needs you to. Because the world was watching you
yesterday – and in the darkest moment in the history of this university, the
world saw you and saw you respond in a way that built community.
I was reminded in the airport as we got ready to board to come back that
I’ve seen this story before. I’ve turned on television and seen the bad news of
a shooting, or a weather emergency, or a famine. I’ve seen these stories – and
there will be more stories – but there was something in the story yesterday that
was different and it was you. Your spirit even in a dark day of optimism and
community and hope, and of wanting to be together. You taught something good
yesterday, even on a dark day, to people all around the world – and the world
needs that example put forward.
And so I pledge to do all I can, President Steger, members of the
community and my team as well, to be with you in the coming days. To be along
side of you in difficult times as we sort through and try to work with your
families and friends. You have a remarkable community here; just look around
and see this. And see the thousands of students next door.
This is a remarkable place. Do not let go of that sense of community
which is so powerful in this room."
-- Virginia Governor Tim Kaine At The Virginia Tech Convocation
"Governor, thank you. President Steger, thank you very
much. Students, and faculty, and staff, and grieving family members, and members
of this really extraordinary place.
Laura and I have come to Blacksburg today with hearts full
of sorrow. This is a day of mourning for the Virginia Tech community -- and it
is a day of sadness for our entire nation. We've come to express our sympathy.
In this time of anguish, I hope you know that people all over this country are
thinking about you, and asking God to provide comfort for all who have been
affected.
Yesterday began like any other day. Students woke up, and
they grabbed their backpacks and they headed for class. And soon the day took a
dark turn, with students and faculty barricading themselves in classrooms and
dormitories -- confused, terrified, and deeply worried. By the end of the
morning, it was the worst day of violence on a college campus in American
history -- and for many of you here today, it was the worst day of your lives.
It's impossible to make sense of such violence and
suffering. Those whose lives were taken did nothing to deserve their fate. They
were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Now they're gone -- and they
leave behind grieving families, and grieving classmates, and a grieving nation.
In such times as this, we look for sources of strength to
sustain us. And in this moment of loss, you're finding these sources everywhere
around you. These sources of strength are in this community, this college
community. You have a compassionate and resilient community here at Virginia
Tech. Even as yesterday's events were still unfolding, members of this community
found each other; you came together in dorm rooms and dining halls and on blogs.
One recent graduate wrote this: "I don't know most of you guys, but we're all
Hokies, which means we're family. To all of you who are okay, I'm happy for
that. For those of you who are in pain or have lost someone close to you, I'm
sure you can call on anyone of us and have help any time you need it."
These sources of strength are with your loved ones. For
many of you, your first instinct was to call home and let your moms and dads
know that you were okay. Others took on the terrible duty of calling the
relatives of a classmate or a colleague who had been wounded or lost. I know
many of you feel awfully far away from people you lean on and people you count
on during difficult times. But as a dad, I can assure you, a parent's love is
never far from their child's heart. And as you draw closer to your own families
in the coming days, I ask you to reach out to those who ache for sons and
daughters who will never come home.
These sources of strength are also in the faith that
sustains so many of us. Across the town of Blacksburg and in towns all across
America, houses of worship from every faith have opened their doors and have
lifted you up in prayer. People who have never met you are praying for you;
they're praying for your friends who have fallen and who are injured. There's a
power in these prayers, real power. In times like this, we can find comfort in
the grace and guidance of a loving God. As the Scriptures tell us, "Don't be
overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
And on this terrible day of mourning, it's hard to imagine
that a time will come when life at Virginia Tech will return to normal. But such
a day will come. And when it does, you will always remember the friends and
teachers who were lost yesterday, and the time you shared with them, and the
lives they hoped to lead. May God bless you. May God bless and keep the souls of
the lost. And may His love touch all those who suffer and grieve." --President
George W. Bush
"I've always talked about people coming together at
our football games, and they should, but this is on a completely
different scale," he says. "What I'd like to see now is all people, all
people associated with Virginia Tech, come together and become stronger
than ever as a university, with more caring, loving and respect for one
another than ever before. "And that's what I think we'll do." -- Frank
Beamer, Head Football Coach At Virginia Tech
Click Here To Read Condolences From The Fans Of Other Schools
April 16, 2007, will be
remembered as one of the darkest days in the
history of the Virginia Tech community and the
world beyond.
To remember and honor the
victims of those tragic events, the university
has established the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund
to aid in the healing process and generate
financial support.
The fund will be used to
cover expenses including but not limited to:
Grief
counseling
Memorials
Communication expenses
Comfort expenses
Incidental needs
In the wake of this
tragedy, we are confident that Hokie Spirit will
only grow stronger and more resilient. We thank
you for your continued support.
Members of the Washington Nationals of the National League
wore Virginia Tech hats during their game versus the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday
April 17.
WE ARE VIRGINIA TECH (A Tribute in the words of
Nikki Giovanni and images from various sources.)
“We are Virginia Tech. We are sad today
and we will be sad for quite awhile. WE are not moving on, we are embracing our
mourning.
We are Virginia Tech. We are strong
enough to know when to cry and sad enough to know we must laugh again.
We are Virginia Tech. We do not
understand this tragedy. We know we did not deserve it but neither does a child
in Africa dying of AIDS, but neither do the invisible children walking the night
to avoid being captured by a rogue army. Neither does the baby elephant watching
his community be devastated for ivory; neither does the Appalachian infant in
the killed in the middle of the night in his crib in the home his father built
with his own hands being run over by a boulder because the land was
destabilized. No one deserves a tragedy.
We are Virginia Tech. The Hokier Nation
embraces our own with open heart and hands to those who offer their hearts and
minds. We are strong and brave and innocent and unafraid. We are better than we
think, not quite what we want to be.
We are alive to the imagination and the
possibility we will continue to invent the future through our blood and tears,
through all this sadness.
We are the Hokies. We will prevail, we will prevail. We are Virginia Tech. "
-- Nikki Giovanni
This week I witnessed the horrible actions of one very sick
individual at my alma mater in Blacksburg, Virginia. People who I had not heard
from in years contacted me about it because of my known affection and support of
Virginia Tech. The horror of this week has been mixed with the pride of seeing
Hokie students on national television showing their emotions, the courage that
many of them exhibited facing a murder and the positive feelings toward their
school. They are a credit to their parents and their university.
The disgust I have felt towards the events this week is almost as
strong for the irresponsible media reporting of the events especially aimed at
President Charles Steger and the law enforcement officers. I thought at the
convocation when President Steger received a standing ovation and a long embrace
from Governor Kaine that said it all. These media types
do not care about the people who their callous comments hurt or the families of
the victims of this tragedy.
While I am sure mistakes were made, but in studying history you can
only judge someone by their actions based on what they knew at the time. Monday
morning quarterbacking and blaming President Steger or the law enforcement
officials for the act of a very sick individual is the easy way out especially
for these so called journalists. We do not know if they had locked down the
university, an almost impossible action due to the size and number of people
involved, that the killer would not have just found other victims. No one could
predict these events or say what would have happened.
When Nikki Giovanni ended the convocation with her “We Are Virginia
Tech” remarks followed by cheering, seeing the students filling Lane Stadium and
the vigil at the Drillfield later that night I felt great pride in being part of
a university that has such great students and their defiance in the face of
overwhelming grief not to give up. One humorous moment came at the end of
convocation when Katie “Wahoo” Couric identified Hokie Football Coach Frank
Beamer as the President of the United States.
No one can begin to understand the feelings of those who lost
children, siblings and friends this week at Virginia Tech, but the outpouring of
support this week for them is something I will never forget. This week I read
fans from West Virginia, the University of Virginia, Auburn, East Carolina, LSU, Texas A&M,
UNC-Greensboro and almost every university I could imagine on internet websites
say repeatedly “We Are All Hokies.” I saw students at UNC-Asheville, Central
Florida, Duke, N. C. State and many others hold candlelight vigils. I thought
that like the embrace from the Governor Kaine to President Steger that says it
all. -- Tom Perry, Virginia Tech Class of 1983
Before and after photos of the vigil for Virginia Tech at the
University of Virginia. Note Zeta painted orange and maroon.
“It is
difficult to comprehend senseless violence on this scale. Our prayers are with
the families and friends of these victims, and members of the extended Virginia
Tech community...I urge Virginians to keep these victims and their families in
their thoughts and prayers.” -- Tim Kaine, Governor of the Commonwealth of
Virginia
You Can Go Hokie Again...
One week and one day after the tragic events of April 16, 2007, I returned to
the campus of Virginia Tech to return some books to the Newman Library, a place
I spend more time at now than I did when I was a student in Blacksburg in the
early 1980s. I took my digital camera and my memories of twenty-six years ago
when I first came to the campus driven through some horrible fog by Greg
Radford, who was thinking of going to school there.
After
parking and walking to the library, where I was met with a memorial display
about the victims and related books related to their chosen fields of study, I
headed out across campus. The first place was the Memorial Chapel that notes
those from Virginia Tech who received the Medal of Honor in service to the
United States. Virginia Tech was founded in 1872 as Virginia’s land grant
university with many men who served under Patrick County’s most famous son James
Ewell Brown “Jeb” Stuart involved along with John Penn, who worked in the
Virginia House of Delegates to start the school. Virginia Tech continues a
strong military tradition with the Corps of Cadets, who sadly had one member a
victim on April 16.
Seldom have I visited the chapel during my time as a student or since, but on
this day I found lots of orange and maroon items on top of the chapel that faces
towards the Drillfield and Burrus Hall in one direction and Torgenson Bridge
facing towards Blacksburg. There were people everywhere on campus that day, but
it was strangely quiet. I went into the Chapel and found many items in honor of
those who passed and outside an opportunity to write a message with the many
hanging messages on strings tied across.
I walked up towards McBryde Hall, where I had most of my classes including the
largest Civil War class in the nation under James I. “Bud” Robertson, who I
believe would have been holding class that morning with 300 students just two
buildings away from Norris Hall, where most lost their lives. I went in and sat
down in the auditorium where I spent so many enjoyable mornings with one of the
best teachers I ever had.
I made my way outside again and moved towards Norris Hall, which was still
surrounded with yellow crime tape and guarded by a lone Virginia State Trooper
as all sorts of crime investigators and staff went past us both. I turned and
walked into Patton Hall and found a memorial for those engineering students and
facility in the lobby. Outside again, I
walked along the sidewalk and up to face Norris Hall and many flowers and notes
remembering those who perished in the building. I looked at Burrus Hall, the
administration building, where many people congregated around, but still it was
strangely silent almost in respect for those who died.
I crossed the street and made my way to the thirty-three “Hokie Stones” placed
in a semi-circle around the observation point in front of the building. There
were names for the thirty-two victims and one stone without a name, which I
assumed was for the shooter. I walked around the stones looking at the flowers,
gifts and messages for all of these people. The silence was deafening except for
the busses of Blacksburg Transit not a sound was heard. I watched people who
were obviously just “long necking” as was I, but I saw students becoming
emotional and I thought but for the grace of God go I. Trying to find logic and
reason in something so horrific is impossible.
I walked back towards the library through the Drillfield past trees tied in
orange and maroon ribbons. I was given bottled water by a Baptist group. I
stopped and drank in the cold water and the scene as I looked back towards the
scene of the tragedy and the memorial. I thought about Ryan Clark, the member of
the Marching Virginians from my mother’s hometown of Augusta, Georgia, who lost
his life going to the defense of the first victim Emily Hilscher in West Ambler
Johnson Hall. I thought about Liviu Librescu, who survived the madness of Adolph
Hitler to lose his life defending his students against the madness of a student
named Cho. Mostly, I thought about the loss of such a great group of people and
the pride I felt in the university I graduated from.
I wandered up to Squires Student Center to find
many people watching a press conference from law enforcement about the events,
but what overwhelmed were the banners from all over the country from other
universities signed by thousands of students. I did not know there was a
University of Mobile, but I knew that this tragic event had made them all Hokies.
Thomas Wolfe wrote “You Can’t Go Home Again,” but You Can Go Hokie Again. – Tom
Perry
Virginia Tech President
Charles W. Steger May 11, 2007, Graduation Ceremony
"Ladies and Gentlemen,
today is a special day, a time of celebration; a time that marks both an end and
a beginning; a moment filled with joy for what our graduates have accomplished,
and with anticipation of the bright future that lies ahead.
Yet, today our
celebrations and our joy are subdued in recognition of the great tragedy that
befell our university, our community on April 16th. Our minds still reel from
the violence, and our hearts still ache for those slain and injured and their
families and friends. We know the emotional wounds may be even harder to heal.
As difficult as it is to
relive that day, we yearn to pay homage to those cherished members of our
Virginia Tech family who we lost that morning — whom the world lost that cold,
blustery morning.
We wish to pay tribute
to those innocent and beautiful young minds who wholeheartedly joined the
university community seeking knowledge and growth -- and to the dedicated
professors who were devoted to imparting that knowledge and nurturing that
growth.
They wanted to make their
mark as individuals, to be a part of the greater world and make it better – and
those of us assembled here tonight can attest that they succeeded.
We remember them as
caring, kind, compassionate and loving. They were serious about their goals,
but fun-loving in pursuit of those aspirations. They were hard working, yet
enjoyed their relaxation, whether through horseback riding or tennis or
kayaking. They played volleyball, basketball and lacrosse. They were musicians
and dancers.
A clergyman at one of
the memorial services reflected that the most important aspect of a gravestone
is not the name or the dates of birth and demise, but rather the dash between
those dates – because that symbolizes the person’s life. Their impact on this
earth is not a function of the number of years that they lived, but how they
lived.
Although so young, they
had managed to accomplish much. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, “They
entered the stage of history just a few years ago, and in the brief years that
they were privileged to act on this mortal stage, they played their parts
exceedingly well.”
They came here from
Blacksburg and Roanoke and throughout Virginia, from several other states and
the Choctaw Nation . . .from Canada and Egypt . . . from India and Indonesia . .
. from Puerto Rico and Peru. They were citizens of the world.
Each was gifted and
talented and unique.
They were Hokies.
The Hokie Nation was
first used to describe those who filled the seats in this stadium, who
identified with and loved Virginia Tech. But in the dark days of our
suffering, we have seen this phrase take on a greater and deeper meaning.
It is one of a community
coming together – yes, to mourn and pour out our grief, but also coming together
to help each other, to lift others’ burdens while our own weighed so heavily
upon us. Millions around the world have witnessed and been touched by the Hokie
Spirit.
I received a letter a few
days back from an incoming freshman of the class of 2011. She said, candidly,
that after the tragedy, she had considered changing her academic plans for next
year. But then after watching how we all came together, she decided that there
was no place she’d rather spend the next four years.
She was moved by the
Hokie Spirit. So was our nation. So was I.
The grief counselors –
and bless them for all the work they have done and are doing to help us heal –
they tell us that when we become overwhelmed with negative feelings, we should
remind ourselves of people and events that are meaningful and encouraging.
We have seen many such
people and acts in the past few weeks, and we are forever thankful to all for
their concern and care.
Our faculty and staff
deserve a special ‘thank you.’ While grieving greatly, they wiped their tears,
rolled up their sleeves and went to work, doing anything and everything they
could to keep us going when we were struck numb. They voluntarily arose early
and willingly stayed late into the night. They were magnificent in the most
difficult of times.
They are Hokies.
How do we thank the
members of the Virginia Tech and Blacksburg Police, the Montgomery County
Sherriff’s Departments, and the Virginia State Police who threw aside concerns
for their own safety to rush to our aid? And the reinforcements that came
willingly from other localities and universities around the state? Without
complaint, they stayed around the clock to maintain calm and restore our
shattered sense of security. They were brave. They were dedicated. They were
courageous.
They are Hokies.
What words can erase the
horrific scenes witnessed by members of the Virginia Tech and Blacksburg Rescue
Squads? They stifled their own fears to tend to the wounded and speed them to
hospitals. They are heroes. They are life savers.
They are Hokies.
Earlier this week, the
Virginia Tech Rescue Squad, for its members’ heroic actions, was presented the
Stars of Life Award by the National Ambulance Association at a ceremony in
Washington, D.C.
I think there are some
Graduating members with us this evening, and I ask that they stand and be
recognized. We are very proud, and thankful that they are Hokies.
Members of Hokies United
have worked tirelessly in helping us heal, through the Candlelight Vigil, the
noon Moment of Silence, the Memorials on the Drill field and in myriad other
ways. It is truly amazing what willing hearts and hands can do. I would ask
them to stand and be recognized, too.
We are grateful that --
They are Hokies.
In every corner of this
nation, Virginia Tech alumni have held vigils and poured forth their support,
and we are most thankful that they remain such loyal members of the Hokie
Nation.
You students returned as
classes resumed and told reporters, “This is home,” and that you came back
“because I think my professors needed me.” Many were amazed as you repeatedly
demonstrated what strong bonds link us Hokies together. We are indeed the
Virginia Tech Family.
In coming here to help us
heal, Governor Tim Kaine and President Bush both noted this incredible strength
of the Virginia Tech community.
And the Hokie Nation has
spread worldwide. Niagara Falls was bathed in Orange and Maroon lights – a
beautiful tribute to the Hokie spirit.
In my office, we received
an American flag that was flown at half-staff at the Statue of Liberty – that
beacon of hope for a brighter future.
Queen Elizabeth brought
wonderful words of condolence and encouragement.
A tree was planted on our
behalf in Jerusalem’s Rabin Peace Park, and a friend called to let me know that
he was sending a Hokie flag that flew over the U.S. Embassy in Vienna, Austria.
Indeed, the Hokie Nation
reaches even into space. A special Virginia Tech flag has been designed, at the
request of NASA, to be carried into space.
It is heartening that
these lights of compassion and care have shone through the deep darkness of our
suffering.
This day is also one of
those lights, one of those beacons, guiding us toward the future. In the lyrical
language of the Psalms we hear that “weeping may endure for a night, but joy
cometh in the morning.”
Our hearts have been
broken, but our spirit—that Hokie Spirit, which has captured the admiration of
millions – remains strong. . . and our resolve is strong.
We were all touched by
the stirring words of Nikki Giovanni – an internationally renowned Hokie – when
she proclaimed, “We are Virginia Tech. We will prevail.”
In her words, “We are
alive to the imaginations and the possibilities. We will continue to invent the
future. . .”
And, among the thousands
and thousands of messages of sympathy and condolences that we have received was
this simple statement:
“Your loss is great, but
your goal is our children’s future.”
How can we not be
resolute and determined to go forward when we are reminded so poignantly -- and
by so many -- of why Virginia Tech is here and what it stands for?
At our core, we are
Virginia Tech. We are a great university that has a special role to play in the
world.
We come together in the
quest for knowledge – learning about ourselves and about the world in which we
live. We seek new discoveries to improve our own well-being and, by reaching
out to the broader community, to improve life on this planet and beyond.
As we continue our quest
and pursue our mission, we will prove that the Hokie spirit is indomitable.
Let our most lasting memorial to those who were snatched from our midst be our
achievements. Let each of us seek out those who are needful, so that we may
find a way to fill their needs. Let us live our professional and personal lives
in a manner that moves the world forward. Is that not what it means to “Invent
the future”?
Please know that moving
on is not the same as forgetting. We shall not forget. Yet, one senseless burst
of violence – as horrible and hurtful as it is – will not turn us from our
essence.
Let April 16th be on our
future calendars. Yes, to remember those precious members of our community who
we lost. . . But also to renew our commitment to learning and growing . . . to
rededicate ourselves to being outstanding citizens of this great nation and the
world. . . to be a bright light on the horizon of tomorrow that will chase away
the darkness of our fears, to show the world once again that We. . .are. . .
Virginia Tech!
In closing, I want to
speak a moment to our graduates…
Revel in the joy of this
day. . . Celebrate your accomplishments. . . Celebrate all those lives that have
touched yours and helped bring you to this point. Reach out and hug them if you
can.
And, to all of our
students here today—those graduating and those who will be returning—I wish I
could reach out and hug each one of you. You are the reason I get out of bed in
the morning. You are my passion -- the focus of my days and most of my nights.
You are the future . . . and your achievements will be felt around the globe.
I…could…not…possibly…be
more proud of you than I am at this moment. You have united, and you have shown
the world the meaning of Ut Prosim, that I may serve.
WE ARE VIRGINIA TECH (A Tribute in the words of
Nikki Giovanni and images from various sources.)
Left, above the chapel on campus. Right, inside Patton Hall memorial for
engineering students and facility.
“We are Virginia Tech. We are sad today
and we will be sad for quite awhile. WE are not moving on, we are embracing our
mourning.
We are Virginia Tech. We are strong
enough to know when to cry and sad enough to know we must laugh again.
Images from 33 stone memorial in front of Burruss Hall on campus at Virginia
Tech.
We are Virginia Tech. We do not
understand this tragedy. We know we did not deserve it but neither does a child
in Africa dying of AIDS, but neither do the invisible children walking the night
to avoid being captured by a rogue army. Neither does the baby elephant watching
his community be devastated for ivory; neither does the Appalachian infant in
the killed in the middle of the night in his crib in the home his father built
with his own hands being run over by a boulder because the land was
destabilized. No one deserves a tragedy.
Vigil in New York City's Washington Park
We are Virginia Tech. The Hokier Nation
embraces our own with open heart and hands to those who offer their hearts and
minds. We are strong and brave and innocent and unafraid. We are better than we
think, not quite what we want to be.
We are alive to the imagination and the
possibility we will continue to invent the future through our blood and tears,
through all this sadness.
33 stones in front of Burruss Hall on the campus of Virginia Tech
We are the Hokies. We will prevail, we will prevail. We are Virginia Tech. "
-- Nikki Giovanni
