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Virginia Tech Plans Observances for Apr. 16

February 22, 2008

By Rex Bowman

April 16 marks the one-year anniversary of the campus massacre of 27 students and five teachers by a mentally ill student who then killed himself. Virginia Tech established a 21-person committee to plan how to commemorate the killings. What did the committee decide?

On April 16 from 10:30 a.m. to noon, a commemoration will be held on the campus Drillfield. The names of the 32 victims will be read aloud, as well as "a few words about the special qualities of each person," according to Tech.

At sunset, about 7:45 p.m., a candlelight vigil will be held on the Drillfield. A ceremonial candle will burn at the memorial site established last year in honor of the victims.

During the afternoon, venues will be established across campus where people can read poetry or other writings, play music, display art or engage in other activities. What about classes?

All April 16 classes have been canceled. Who came up with the plan?

The committee includes students, teachers, administrators and members of the Blacksburg community, plus family members of some of the victims. Provost Mark McNamee was the committee chairman. What's the rationale behind the plan?

According to McNamee, the committee wanted to keep the focus of the day on the lives of the victims: "Events will be simple and respectful, and opportunities will be provided for anyone from the Virginia Tech community who wishes to honor the memories of the victims." Is the plan final?

No, this is just a preliminary schedule. Updates are to be posted at www.remembrance.vt.edu.

Rex Bowman can be reached at (540) 344-3612 rbowman@timesdispatch.com