One year after the largest mass shooting in the history of the United States, students reflect on Tech Massacre
Thirty-two flower arrangements surrounded the memorial statues outside Virginia Tech’s Burruss Hall. The Drillfield was filled with thousands of people: students, faculty, staff, children, parents, alumni and residents of Blacksburg. All eyes were on the semi-circle of memorials and it was silent.
As people began to pour in, there were tears, hugs and comforting. Those that came bore flowers and paid their respects to the victims of the largest mass school shooting in our nation’s history.
Before the ceremony commenced, a family laid a single red rose on each victim’s stone. The victims’ families sat solemnly in the front row, gripping each other and showing the emotion that comes with the overwhelming reminder of their lost loved ones.
As the commemoration ceremony began, there was a still sea of burgundy and orange still, all taking in the beginning of the one-year anniversary of the Virginia Tech shootings that took the lives of students and faculty.
Virginia Tech President Charles Steger began the service with a heavy heart.
“This is a solemn day for the Virginia Tech family including those around the world who are holding us in their hearts,” Steger said. “An entire year has passed since the heart-rending events of this tragic day. It is fitting that we gather today...indeed all of our lives were changed that day.”
After mentioning honored guests that were there, including Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, Steger added that the students injured during the shootings were there but did not want to be recognized.
At that moment, tears fell and people held each other. There were many displaying the strength their university has shown through the year by wearing bright orange shirts saying: “We are Virginia Tech!” Others wore shirts with pictures of those lost, and others chose to simply wear a ribbon.
“It began with shock, trauma and a flow of emotions,” Steger said. “We search for meaning for something that is incomprehensible. It is not a public, but a private loss...one we have been reliving day after day.”
Steger praised not only the university for how well it has handled the situation, but the victims’ families, as well, even with the adversity they have faced in the last year.
“For 32 families, today they must confront a lost loved one,” he said. “They have had courage, grace and strength and it has served as a guide to us.”
He concluded by saying that everyone can put their fear of not remembering to rest, because it is something they will never forget.
After Steger took his seat, the names and a short biography of each victim was read. There were subtle sniffles and tears from those who knew the victims. Some students were held by their friends or parents, while others stood solemnly, remembering last year.
“My mind was a sea of clashing and conflicting emotions,” began Gov. Tim Kaine speaking of last year’s tragedy. “A year later, it is still hard to describe or recognize.”
Kaine had a hard time talking about what it is like to lose a loved one.
“I have not lost a spouse. I have not lost a child,” he said. “But I have both and I know how difficult it would be to lose them and how devastating it must be for the 32 families.”
He complimented the way Virginia Tech has persevered and been able to become stronger and more united.
“I have pride and admiration in the Virginia Tech community and the broader Virginia Tech community, those that love this institution,” Kaine said, “For those who may have no connection, but grabbed on to it.
“We all leave this world too quickly. If we realize how brief our lives are we will focus on things that really matter.”
Kaine ended his speech by saying that Virginia Tech is not just a learning institution, but a place that teaches its students to serve, which is exactly what they have done.
Through the silence there was hope. The sun shone brightly at the conclusion of the event and there were a few smiles, hugs and a deep feeling of community.
“I mean going to class you pass by this every day,” said Virginia Tech junior Steven Smark speaking about the memorial. “You can’t help but think about it. I didn’t know many people involved but I got all these messages from people and I can’t help but think about all those that couldn’t answer those messages.”
