Upon the conclusion of the candlelit ceremony at Virginia Tech last Wednesday, a moment of silence was broken when a student cried out “Let’s Go!” igniting the crowd to respond in an overwhelming Hokie chant.
On April 16, 2007, a lone gunman opened fired onto the campus of Virginia Tech, taking 32 lives and leaving the Hokie community shocked and devastated.
A year later students, faculty, friends, family and other members of the community gathered together on the Virginia Tech Drillfield for a candlelight vigil.
A somber silence fell over the crowd as Tech student body President Adeel Khan opened the evening ceremony.
“We stand here today stronger as a community, better as individuals and even more steadfast in our conviction to always keep 32 in our hearts and minds,” Khan said. “We love you, we miss you, and we would give anything for you to be here with us today.”
One-by-one, students representing the 32 lost, lit candles from a larger ceremonial one, which burned throughout the day, and stood side-by-side as each victim’s name was read. The sea of maroon and orange was illuminated as each person’s candle was lit.
After each name was read, people stood tranquil, holding their burning candles as horns were sounded. A solemn piece was sung by a choir in white, while heads were bowed and tears fell.
Prior to the candlelight vigil, classes were cancelled and events of remembrance were held on campus throughout the day.
In Squires Student Center, an art exhibit “April 16: Remembrance, Recognition and Healing” was set up in the Perspectives Gallery. People walked through the exhibit, viewing a collection of photos, notes, cards and memorial items sent from all over the world. Photos from the day of the shooting, drawings of victims, letters from children and handcrafted items brought people to tears as they recalled the effects of last year.
In a letter from an elementary school student, addressed to Virginia Tech, a boy wrote, “I feel very sorry that such an incident happened there. To tell you something, I am Korean, and I think that’s why I want to apologize, and ask you not to hate Koreans.” The gunman Seung-Hui Cho was a Korean immigrant.
Another child wrote, “I feel very close to each victim even though I never knew them.”
In the Warsaw Memorial Chapel, students and members of the community played music throughout the day as people came in and out of the candlelit chapel to pray, mourn and reflect.
While a serene atmosphere cast over parts of the campus, students came together on the Drillfield and outside of dorms and dining halls to spend time with friends, throw Frisbees and enjoy the warm day.
“Today is more like a celebration of lives instead of grieving again,” said Tech sophomore Daniel Smith. “We’ve been grieving for the past year. I think the biggest thing that has come from this is as a community we’ve grown closer together.Complete strangers say ‘hey’ and ‘what’s up’ on the Drillfield because you never know what’s going to happen.”
