April 16: A Day of Remembrance at Virginia Tech

Warm and sunny, it could not have been a nicer day. However, Virginia Tech was not its usual self, no Frisbee, no sun bathers, only the somberness of a day remembered by all. April 16, 2012 was the 5th anniversary of that dreadful day where 32 Hokies had lost their lives.

It was the first time since April 16, 2007, that Virginia Tech did not cancel classes on this day, consequently the quiet hustle and bustle of college students went on.

Today signified the transition from a period of mourning to a new state of remembrance in the community.

For many current students, 2007 is a distant memory and direct connections to the actual shootings have declined as students have graduated and new Hokies have taken their place. The majority of the 2012 graduating class had never even stepped on the campus before the tragic event had occurred.

However, the thousands of students who may not have known those affected still spent the day remembering and commemorating the lives of those the community had lost.

It was unbelievable the student response on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter as the day began.

Mottos of “neVer forgeT” and “Live for 32” permeated news feeds, pictures and quotes of love and pride cascaded over the internet, giving fellow Hokies the support each other desired.

“Today resounds how much our community cares for one another, for the people that we have lost. Today is meant to be spent thinking about the victims, their families, while reflecting on our own lives” said Julianna Willis, a senior at Virginia Tech.

It was apparent students, teachers, Blacksburg community members, and outsiders all had come to Virginia Tech to reminisce about those that were lost. Virginia Tech held a community picnic during the day that culminated in a beautiful, commemorative candlelight vigil as the evening descended.

The vigil included comments from Tech president Charles Steger, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, and the 2007 SGA president Sumeet Bagai which then was followed by the tradition of passing out the flame of the memorial candle to the thousands of Hokies with their own candle lights.

“The flame symbolizes a promise to remember and a resolve to never forget” said President Steger as he addressed the crowd.

The vigil was a reminder of the strength of the Hokie nation, the strength of those who carry on the legacy of those that were lost. It represents a commitment to remembrance as the community moves forward from this tragedy.

Five years ago, Hokies supported one another by saying “we will prevail.” Virginia Tech has prevailed through its dedication to one another and the love that overwhelms the community. A scar may represent a past, but it does not define their future.

We are Virginia Tech.

McLean resident Shawn Ghuman is a Virginia Tech sophomore and Langley High School graduate.