Remember Virginia Tech: April 16

by Alice Mountjoy

Over the last two years, I have worked with Virginia Tech families and students whose lives were forever altered on April 16, 2007. The tragic shooting rampage at Blacksburg ended with the loss of 32 lives plus the gunman in the worst mass shooting in the history of our country. Survivors and their families are trying to move beyond the nightmare of those events, but they are also trying to ensure that we remember VT and that we attempt to make something positive of those events.

April 16, 2009, marks the second anniversary of the Virginia Tech Tragedy. The families, faculty, and students are still attempting to regain some sense of equilibrium and peace in their lives. The Virginia Center for Public Safety encourages all Virginians to be a part of the Hokie family by remembering these families and continuing to support them.

The following events are planned in Blacksburg on April 16. For more information, go to http://weremember.vt.edu/2009-events/2009-april16-events.html.

• Flowers by Memorial Stone: Flowers will be placed by each memorial stone honoring each victim.
• Candlelight Vigil: A candlelight vigil will be held on the drill field at sundown at the Memorial (rain or shine). The event will be coordinated by Virginia Tech students representing a variety of student organizations.
• Biography for University Remembrance: During the University Remembrance at 12:00 noon, a biography of each victim will be read.

Local events to remember the victims and their families could also be planned in all faith communities in VA. Each community is encouraged to support the VT family in its own way.

Some ideas for local events on April 16:

• Wear VT ribbons in maroon and orange.
• Offer memorial flowers at services around that date.
• Host a silent vigil with luminaries on the evening of April 16.
• Ring bells for the 32 victims during the day at places of worship.
• Invite a local college to participate in an event such as a "Lie-In" to memorialize students and protest easy availability of firearms. For more information visit www.ProtestEasyGuns.com
• Write a letter to local news outlets to remind them of this tragedy.
• Host an educational forum on suicide prevention.

For more information on gun violence prevention, visit www.vacps.org.

Alice Mountjoy is a consultant and former teacher in Hampton Roads. She is a founding member of the Virginia Center for Public Safety and a board member of The Planning Council and the Peacemaking Committee of the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia.