A sense of eeriness loomed over the Festival lawn Wednesday night when students gathered to light ceremonial candles as they had done just one year ago to pay homage to the 32 lives lost in the tragic Virginia Tech shootings.
“This is a hard day for a lot of people,” said JMU President Linwood Rose. “What springs from crisis is solidarity. Don’t reserve hugs for special occasions.”
His instruction resonated with those gathered, as many clung friends close and shared long hugs.
The crowd, splashed in orange and maroon, was a diverse group ranging from fraternity brothers to international students. Hundreds came out on the chilly night. Some wore shirts with the now famous message: “We are all Hokies.”
The names of the deceased were read one by one, a new candle lit after each. The persistent flames spread throughout the crowd.
“As international students we’re struck by this crime,” junior Vlad Kassiyev said. “We share the pain of those lost and their families. We came here to honor them.”
Before the ceremony ended, a microphone in front of the crowd was open to those who wanted to express their thoughts.
“From all of the Hokies out there we really appreciate your support,” said a 2007 Virginia Tech alum addressing the crowd of Dukes. “Hats off to you guys. Thanks.”
The chant “Lets go! Ho-kies!” was repeated five times among those who stayed until their candles melted to the size of the fingertips that pinched them.
Junior political science major Ashley Bertoni attended Westfield High School, in Chantilly, Va., the school of two of the students who were murdered, and of the shooter, Seung-Hui Cho. Bertoni drove home to Chantilly, as did many of her high school friends at Virginia Tech, to be in the comfort of family and friends.
“Our community came together and now I’m here to see JMU come together,” Bertoni said. “I feel safe here. I’m really proud to go to JMU because there are blast e-mail and text message alerts, alarm systems and card swipes outside dorms.”
Before coming to the vigil, the brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi held an event called “Light a Candle.” The event’s purpose was to spur discussion about national tragedies, including the 2006 Amish school shooting in Lancaster, Pa., and the suicide that occurred in Rockingham Hall last August.
“All of the lives lost across the country was unnecessary,” said Kappa Alpha Psi President Brandon Artis. “I’m glad to see people haven’t forgotten and are here recognizing what happened only one year ago.”
Student body president Lee Brooks was pleased with the student turnout at the vigil, and noted a difference from the previous year.
“Last year the vigil had more of a religious aspect,” Brooks said. “We decided to let people reflect in their own personal way this year.” The Student Government Association and Student Ambassadors organized the light vigil.
Brooks added that last week the SGA bought one of 32 trees that will be planted on Virginia Tech’s campus to remember those lost.
