Current News UK | April 16, 2008 | 9 comments

Virginia Tech one year later

source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080416/ap_on_re_us/virginia_tech_anniversary;_ylt=Am_FZARDcy2IR...

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Scott_Bromley
It has been exactly one year since a mentally ill student killed 32 people and himself in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. And while this close-knit campus has worked hard to move on, the anniversary of the killings has left many struggling to cope.

A ceremony honoring the lives of those who perished during Seung-Hui Cho's rampage was planned for later in the morning in front of the memorial, where the candle lit at midnight will continue burning for 24 hours.

Other small, reflective gatherings were to take place during the day, with a candlelight vigil scheduled for the evening. One group of students planned to lie down in protest of Virginia's gun laws in the afternoon.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine ordered state flags flown at half-staff, and a moment of silence at noon followed by the tolling of bells.

Many people weren't sure how to observe the anniversary of a tragedy that was as unifying as it was shattering. It drew a university already known for its school spirit even closer as the depth of the loss registered with students and faculty.
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9 comments // Virginia Tech one year later

  • JanforGore
  • B3rt
    • 0
      B3rt  

    • I didnt even realize it has been a year already, im sure it partly influenced some of the smller shootings we have seen, as stupid as that guys final video was, it was inspirational.

    • 4 years ago
  • richjm
    • 0
      richjm  

    • I'm amazed it's a year already. I remember this incident very well and how much it changed things. I remember feeling really sorry for both the victims and the shooter - there was something utterly tragic about the entire situation and the motivations behind it.

    • 4 years ago
  • mirimysweet
    • 0
      mirimysweet  

    • It's such a tragedy when young people die. Their unrealized potential, future hopes, goals and dreams become the stuff of "if only's" and "what if's"... Sadder still is when the bright futures of young lives are taken so abruptly and so violently, as they were one year ago at Virginia Tech. Let this be not only a time to remember and mourn, but also to gain a better understanding of mental illness, recognizing its symptoms and procuring proper treatment so as to prevent tragedy in the future.

    • 4 years ago
  • Tori
    • 0
      Tori  

    • What a sad anniversary to commemorate.

      As a result of the VA Tech shooting, schools across the country have increased their security, set up emergency plans to text or call students in case of problems etc., all of which is a "good" side effect of the VA Tech situation (as much as I may wish it wasn't necessary).

      On the other hand, I can't help but wonder if all the coverage on the mainstream media of the VA Tech situation didn't influence or partly inspire all of the smaller shootings and violence we've seen since then.

      Regardless, my heart, of course, goes out to all the families of the victims, inlcuding Cho's - I can only imagine the horror they must have felt.

    • 4 years ago
  • sajh
    • 0
      sajh  

    • I was recently reminded of these remarks given last year by SGA President Adeel Khan:

      "Take time to remember the legacies, remember the dreams and remember the talent that our community has lost. I hope you are inspired to work harder to honor the 32. Share you talents with the world for the 32. Achieve your dreams for the 32. Be more compassionate, friendly and thoughtful for the 32. Be better, for the 32."

    • 4 years ago
  • Egnatius212
  • Humdrum
  • AngelicEnforcer
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