April 16, 2007 ... Va Tech Remembrance Day

Governor McDonnell Declares April 16, 2011 as “Virginia Tech Remembrance Day” in the Commonwealth

-Will Lead Official State Ceremony at Virginia’s Pathway to Liberty; Flags to Fly at Half Mast All Day-

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell has officially declared April 16, 2011 as “Virginia Tech Remembrance Day" in the Commonwealth and ordered flags in the Commonwealth to fly at half mast throughout the day. 

In addition, the Governor announced several events that will be held to mark the fourth anniversary of the tragic shooting in Blacksburg.  At 9:43 am there will be an official moment of silence, followed by the ringing of the Capitol Square Bell Tower once for each victim. At 4:00 pm , the Governor will lead an official state ceremony at Virginia’s Pathway to Liberty in front of the State Capitol Visitor Center. 

The Governor will deliver remarks and dedicate bricks on the Pathway for each victim of the tragedy. He will be joined at the event by First Lady Maureen McDonnell and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.  In case of rain, the 4:00pm event will take place in the Exhibit Area at the Virginia State Capitol.

The text of the Governor’s official “Virginia Tech Remembrance Day” proclamation is below.

Virginia Tech Remembrance Day

WHEREAS, on the morning of April 16, 2007, a tragedy of immense magnitude and senselessness befell the campus of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; and

WHEREAS, the lives of 32 individuals from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University were hastily taken, leaving absences that will never be filled and a profound sense of sorrow in the lives of those impacted; and

WHEREAS, the community continues to mourn those who perished, we also honor those individuals wounded as they individually and collectively strive to prevail through this tragedy; and

WHEREAS, we recognize and thank local, state, and federal first responders who courageously answered the call of duty in an effort to prevent the further loss of life; and

WHEREAS, the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia join with those from across the country and around the world in their thoughts and prayers to honor the cherished memories of those who lost their lives and those wounded; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize April 16, 2011, as VIRGINIA TECH REMEMBRANCE DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.