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Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Virginia Tech campus, Dr. Charles Steger and  Virginia Governor Tim Kaine spoke about the victims and what it meant to the university, community and state.  The large crowd in attendance, primarily clad in Virginia Tech colors, listened to the two leaders as they spoke about the victims and reflected on their lives.

Following prelude music by the University Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Dr. Steger addressed the crowd with opening remarks. He emphasized that the events of the past year was a “solemn and improbable day for the Virginia Tech family. He added that “the class of 2007 ended in an unimaginable way.  The respected leader of the university summarized “it is fitting to gather today to support each other.” In addition to the pain suffered by the victims’ families, his speech focused on those students who were injured in the most devastating day in Virginia Tech’s history. He saluted the injured students and their families, many of whom were in the crowd.

Dr. Steger concluded his statements with the hope that today’s remembrance would alleviate some pain, with “quiet and respectful reflection”. He summarized his feelings and admiration for the students, families, university and community by stating “at every turn, we found each other.”  With a final message to those both in attendance and those not there, Steger said “ Your courage, grace and strength has served as a guide to each of us.” To read Dr. Steger's comments, click here.

Following Steger’s comments,  Karen Cronin and Tony Distler, both community leaders, read a biographical sketch of each of the thirty-two victims, which included 17 residents from the state of Virginia. In addition to the five faculty member, local residents included  Austin Michelle Cloyd, Jeremy Michael Herbstritt, Partahi Mamora Lumbantoruan, Juan Ortiz-Ortiz, Julia Kathleen Pryde, Waleed Mohamed Shaalan from Blacksburg and Jarrett Lee Lane from Narrows, Va. Cronin and Distler commented on the beliefs, passions, and activities on the victims. To see the full list and the comments made about each, click here.

The final speaker of the day was Governor Kaine. The first term chief executive of the state talked about the variety of emotions that derived from the tragedy. The first emotion was the “profound sense of sadness and sympathy.” Another was “the emotion of pride and admiration for both Virginia Tech and the community. His third point of emphasis was the sense of lost promise. “Those thirty-two (victims) described makes us mourn their lost promise.  The world was cheated on April16th a year ago.”

He also talked in general terms of the brevity of life.  He added that we should all focus on faith, relations with family and friends, dedication to great principles and service to other.  He spoke about the university’s mission which is “that I may serve”.  Despite the serenity of the occasion, many in the crowd applauded the Governor as he concluded his speech. To hear the Governor's speech in full, click here.

The afternoon was filled with many student activities along with a softball game, all leading up to the evening candlelight vigil, which drew a large crowd.

The crowd, which was later estimated to be between 25,000 to 30,000, started filing unto the drillfield as early as 6:30 p.m. for the candleilight vigil to conclude the day's remembrance.

The vigil started off with 32 students, holding a lighted candle, standing in front of each individual memorial as the names of those whol ost their lives were read. As the program progressed, the candles throughtout the crowd started shining one-by-one. Taps was played at the closing, as well as those attendance shouting 'Lets Go......Hokies."

"We are still healing and tonight's events helps us," said Robert Williamson, a Blacksburg resident who turned out with his family. "Everyone in Blacksburg was affected by this event."

Photo By Larry Middleton

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written by Willie, April 17, 2008

I just want to say thank you to the entire staff at EverythingNRV.com for you continued outstanding coverage of today's events. Your stories, pictures and video, alomg with all the angles in which you covered things not only today, but on all your past stories, show that you are the BEST website in the New River Valley for the most up to date news and information. Keep up the good work. Your crew is very hard working and dedicated to doing the job of reporting like it should be done. You all get out there and cover the story like it should be done. Also, thanks for the covering the two strikes and the other major stories. Job well done.

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written by The Burg Man, April 16, 2008

Larry and David's photos of the events at VT are outstanding, especially one of the pictures from the candlelight program. I was there tonight with my family and the photo really captures the event. I hope to see more online soon!

Ron Walton Note: We are very lucky to have both Larry and David shooting photos and video for us on all of the sites. I'd put there work today up against anyone. However, we ask that you please be respectful of their work. If you see something that you would be interested in, please don't copy it. Email Larry at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or David at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and they will send it to you for a very modest price. Thank you very much.

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