2008 Woodie Awards
Mourners hold vigil in remembrance of the one-year anniversary of Virginia Tech
By: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Issue date: 4/17/08 Section: Nation
BLACKSBURG, Va. - A sea of people wearing orange and maroon flowed onto the main lawn at Virginia Tech on yesterday, some clutching single roses, to remember the victims of the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history.
They gathered on the same field where a white candle lit at midnight began a day of mourning for the 32 people killed a year ago by a student gunman who shot himself as police closed in.
"We remain deeply and profoundly saddened by the events of that tragic day," Virginia Tech President Charles Steger told the crowd. "Indeed, all our lives were changed on that day."
While this close-knit campus of 27,000 has worked hard to move on, the anniversary of the killings has left many struggling to cope. Some weren't sure how best to honor the dead.
"It's like a big question mark," said Heidi Miller, 20, a sophomore from Harrisonburg who was shot three times and was one of six survivors in a French class. "Should we be in mourning all day, or should we try to do something normal?"
Mourners stood with heads bowed, some wiping away tears. Others locked arms as the accomplishments of each of the 32 echoed across the Drillfield: Austin Cloyd had an iron will. Caitlin Hammaren loved playing the violin. Emily Hilscher was an enthusiastic cook. Jarrett Lane was a friend to all he met. Liviu Librescu embodied profound courage.
"The world was cheated - cheated out of the accomplishments that were sure to come from these extraordinary lives," Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said.
A moment of silence was observed for the victims followed by a tolling of bells. One grieving young woman fell to the ground and paramedics hurried to tend to her, helping her off the field as she sobbed.
Kaine ordered state flags flown at half-staff. A candlelight vigil was set for the evening.
Smaller, reflective gatherings were to take place during the day. One group of students planned to lie down in protest of Virginia's gun laws.
Some family members of victims entered War Memorial Chapel early yesterday for a private service. Other family members of those killed said they couldn't bear to attend the official events and planned to grieve privately.
They gathered on the same field where a white candle lit at midnight began a day of mourning for the 32 people killed a year ago by a student gunman who shot himself as police closed in.
"We remain deeply and profoundly saddened by the events of that tragic day," Virginia Tech President Charles Steger told the crowd. "Indeed, all our lives were changed on that day."
While this close-knit campus of 27,000 has worked hard to move on, the anniversary of the killings has left many struggling to cope. Some weren't sure how best to honor the dead.
"It's like a big question mark," said Heidi Miller, 20, a sophomore from Harrisonburg who was shot three times and was one of six survivors in a French class. "Should we be in mourning all day, or should we try to do something normal?"
Mourners stood with heads bowed, some wiping away tears. Others locked arms as the accomplishments of each of the 32 echoed across the Drillfield: Austin Cloyd had an iron will. Caitlin Hammaren loved playing the violin. Emily Hilscher was an enthusiastic cook. Jarrett Lane was a friend to all he met. Liviu Librescu embodied profound courage.
"The world was cheated - cheated out of the accomplishments that were sure to come from these extraordinary lives," Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said.
A moment of silence was observed for the victims followed by a tolling of bells. One grieving young woman fell to the ground and paramedics hurried to tend to her, helping her off the field as she sobbed.
Kaine ordered state flags flown at half-staff. A candlelight vigil was set for the evening.
Smaller, reflective gatherings were to take place during the day. One group of students planned to lie down in protest of Virginia's gun laws.
Some family members of victims entered War Memorial Chapel early yesterday for a private service. Other family members of those killed said they couldn't bear to attend the official events and planned to grieve privately.
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