April 16th Memorial Website
Virginia Tech expresses its shock and profound sorrow regarding the tragic campus shootings of April 16, 2007. To honor and remember the victims, this website has been created so those within the university community and around the world may share condolences, thoughts, and prayers.
Virginia Tech staff will moderate this website, and ask that comments remain civil and appropriate. Please be patient as comments are reviewed before posting, and as we are receiving literally hundreds of comments per hour.
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13 comments:
The recent mass shooting was indeed tragic, but It seemed like a bit much to post here when it already exhists on another site, so I hope you (bluemask) don't mind my edit (not censor =). I have included the comments below, so everything you posted is still here, just in a slightly different format.
My thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to all directly affected by this senseless tragedy. I am one who believes in a heaven and a hell and I truly believe that Cho Seung-Hui is on his way to hell right now. Go Hokies!
Timothy Thompson
April 17, 2007, 9:26pm • Norfolk, Virginia
I am sad that this unfortunate and untimely incident happened to the Virginia Tech community. My support, prayers, and condolences to the students, the faculty,the families, and the alumni be with you. May the Lord guide, keep, and protect the community of Virginia Tech.
April 17, 2007, 9:26pm • Kansas City, KS
Forever in our prayers. Forever Hokies.
- Erik Class 00’
April 17, 2007, 9:26pm • Stafford, VA
Dear Virginia Tech Students, My heart goes out to all of you that are affected by this terrible tradgedy.My thoughts and prayers are with you all,Always remember that God is always present,and will be with you all during your difficult time.Be strong, be there for eachother, and draw near to God as he gives you comfort.God Bless all of you, for you will always be in my prayers.
God Bless You Always, Emily
April 17, 2007, 9:26pm • USA
Hokies Unite! My thoughts and prayers to all of those affected by the events of 4.16.07. As an alum of VT from 2004, I share in the loss with all on the VT campus. We are proud of bonding the community has done. We are thinking and praying for you. Lets Go Hokies!
April 17, 2007, 9:26pm • Wilmington, NC
It’s always hard and very painful to experience something like this; words can not describe it, my condolences, thoughts, and prayers goes to the families and friends who lost their loved ones. It can happen so quickly, life as we know it can change in the blink of an eye, and it’s really true, does that departed that day, certainly were not expecting this, it was just another normal day, in another regular University, unfortunately for them and for us, that didn’t happen. Universities and schools should be a safe place, and I’m sure that many of them are, till the day someone decides to judge himself and others, it’s not fair, no one was the right to take someone else’s life, but we humans have something called free will, and some of us use it the wrong way, it’s really sad. It is a tragedy of major proportions but still life goes one, but for many, life will go on, remembering those who departed before their time; they are probably in a much better place now. Rest in peace, you guys will be remembered…Family and friends, be strong, and keep the flame alive, that way those that left will always be part of your hearts.
Ruben Correia
April 17, 2007, 9:26pm • Ponta Delgada/S.Miguel, Azores
Dear friends, family, victims of VA Tech,
My heart goes out to you and everyone involved in the April 16th tragedy. It is such a shame that such a thing like this occured. May all the students and staff that have passed rest in peace. All of Canada is thinking about you, you will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Heaven gained 32 amazing angels yesterday, they are in a better place now, even though none of them were ready to go. To the families of VA tech, It must be hard to go through such a thing to learn that your son or daughter has been killed. I have a hard enough time coping, but all the families have it a lot worse getting a dreaded phone call that they of wished they would never of received. Unfortunately we can not turn back time we just have to try and hold our heads up high, look into the future and keep our spirits up in this time of crisis. We have to build on this. We will get stronger, as a nation we have to come together. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone, God bless, take care.
Peace and love, Christine Ciura 18 years old from Ontario Canada.
April 17, 2007, 9:26pm • Sarnia, Ontario, Canada
Words cannot describe the grief that we as a nation are feeling for those who lost their lives and their families. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of the students at Virginia Tech and all those who consider themselves Hokies.
As a senior in High School, I am proud to say that I have recently made my decision to attend Virginia Tech in the Fall of 2007. This University is and has always been a profoundly special place and nothing will ever change that.
Please know that God will be with you throughout this tragic time and you have the support of your nation behind you.
April 17, 2007, 9:26pm • Fredericksburg, Virginia
To all of the students at VT our condolences are with you. Our God has a plan more complex than we can comprehend. Our prayers are with you as you begin the healing process. It is said best in the lyrics of Bill Withers… if there is a load you must carry that you cannot bear, I’m right up the road and I’ll share your load if you just call me. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you always.
April 17, 2007, 9:25pm • Virginia Beach, Virginia
Our hearts are with all of you at this great time of sorrow.We pray that you gather strength from one another and live life to the fullest.
April 17, 2007, 9:25pm • Porter,Maine
MAY GOD COMFORT ALL THAT HAS BEEN AFFECTED BY THIS TERRIBLE TRAGEDY. I HAVE A 23 YEAR OLD THAT HAS GONE TO COLLEGE.I CAN ONLY IMAGINE THE PAIN THE FAMILES ARE ENDURING AT THIS TIME. IT MAKES ME CHILL TO THING THIS IS SOMETHING THAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED HERE. IT IS THE SADDEST THING IN THE WORLD TO KNOW ARE CHILDREN ARE NOT SAFE IN A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL THE STUDENTS, FAMILIES AND FACULTY.
April 17, 2007, 9:25pm • WALTON, WEST VIRGINIA UNITED STATES
I come from a very small, tght nit comuity. one of the students lost, Caitlin Hammaern, was one of my best friends. she taught me alot and touched so many lives. For everyone else, who suffered losses, my prayers and thoughts are with you. I will carry yours around with me as a beacon of hope in these terible times. A word of advice. Keep thoses that are loved, clse to you. we all will need them over the next few weeks. Love to all, Anna M.
April 17, 2007, 9:24pm • SlateHill, Ny USA
I spoke to a woman today who was wearing a VT Grandma sweatshirt at my gym. Her grandson was in the building, but was not harmed. Everyone on the campus of Piedmont College is sending thoughts and prayers your way. We will convene tomorrow at the president’s house for a prayer service. All we can do is pray for your college community and send all of our love and support your way. May God watch over you in this time of unspeakable sadness.
April 17, 2007, 9:24pm • Demorest, GA
Dear Virgina Tech family:
Mere words cannot express the sadness & grief we all are feeling as a result of this senseless tragedy. Take comfort in knowing your loved ones are in a better place-and that their pain and suffering are no more. We will pray that the Lord who is in complete control of everything will grant you peace, hope, and strength during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!!
Sincerely,
Northgate Baptist Church Youth Department Northgate Naptist Church 633 Summit Drive Greenville, SC 29609
Pastor: Dr. Barry Jimmerson
Ph. 864-242-3805
April 17, 2007, 9:24pm • Greenville, SC
To all the students, teachers, and families of the victims of Virginia Tech please know that the nation is praying for you. As a college student I can’t imagine going through this. Please remember though there are still people in the hospital and families of victims who need the Virgina Tech community to be strong for them. Know the nation is praying and pass that on to everyone you can to hopefully help them in this time of sorrow.
Ashley W.
April 17, 2007, 9:23pm • Springdale, Ar
This is a terrible tragedy not only for the VT community but for the country and the world. Tragic because so many young, promising lives as well as the lives of people passing on their knowledge to this young generation are ended in such a senseless, barbaric way. Now all that can be done is to move forward, never forgetting the ones lost and dedicating ourselves to a brighter future in remembrance of those who are lost to us and to those who survived but will be scarred for life.
April 17, 2007, 9:23pm • Catonsville, Maryland
The ones lost on April 16,2007 were more than the 32 people who died at Virginia Tech in a classroom they were sons daughters teachers moms dads and friends to all those left to grieve what this horrible man did to all those on campus, i am more than sorry for your lost and i will join in praying with the nation as at least for a little while were all hookies, i join many others in saying i am deeply sorry for your loss
April 17, 2007, 9:23pm • North Carolina
I hope that VT reviews its actions in respect to the shootings, in an effort to keep such an event from occuring ever again. As far as I am concerned, just ONE of those student’s life lost at VT, is worth more than all of the gold at Fort Knox. While I am not suggesting that colleges should adopt a security system reminiscent of Fort Knox, I do believe that we can do better. My heart goes out to those who lost their lives and their families…
Martin
April 17, 2007, 9:23pm • Broward Community College, FL
From the nursing staff at John H stoger Hospital of Cook county,we will like to send our heart felt condolences. To the precious lives lost and those spared,as well as their families.For God wouldn’t put more on you then you can bear.For what the devil meant for bad,God meant for good.So continue on and remember those lost and never forget them.Take one good thing from each victim and allow it to harvest.May god be with you,keep you and always protect you!!!!!
April 17, 2007, 9:23pm • Chicago,Illinois
I did not know anyone at VT. I am a Father of 3, Grandfather of 7, Great-Grandfather of 1 and I cannot fathom the grief of the family and friends of those involved. However, our children went to college and we live in a college town. When watching the gathering today, I wept for all the students involved, their families and their friends and the community of Va Tech. I cannot remember having done that before for strangers - but thise children and teachers were not true strangers - I felt that I knew them all. God Bless you all, and Virgina Tech, and the USA. Donald
April 17, 2007, 9:23pm • Salisbury, Maryland
Our campus is praying for you. We pray for the students who lost friends. We pray for the parents who lost children. We pray for families who lost loved ones We pray for the family of the shooter. We pray for the faculty and staff of VT. We pray for all those affected by this incident. We pray for courage and hope in troubled times. We pray for guidance. We pray.
April 17, 2007, 9:23pm • Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Virginia Tech family but especially with the families and friends of those killed and injured. After watching the convocation and the vigil tonight, it is evident that the Hokie spirit will survive this tragedy. I am extremely proud to be a graduate of Virginia Tech.
Andy Simantel ‘75
April 17, 2007, 9:23pm • Baltimore, Md.
Virginia Tech: You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and help you grow stronger each and everyday. Tristan H. Kathy H.
April 17, 2007, 9:23pm • Williamstown, PA U.S.A
Fellow Hokies...my deepest condolences to those affected by this tragedy. Bless all of you who continue to represent the quintessence of what VT stands for...UT PROSIM
-Chas. Phiefer ‘95
April 17, 2007, 9:23pm • Delmar, MD
He estado siguiendo las noticias desde que empezo este tragico incidente , me siento muy mal por las familias de las victimas y cuando pienso en ello me pongo en sus lugares ... de verdad se que duele muchisimo .
April 17, 2007, 9:23pm • Republica dominicana
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I hope that's ok.
On another note. The shooter being South Korean, I have heard quite a bit about it living here (in S.Korea). It is tragic indeed, but as the president of Korea earlier stated, I hope it doesn't ad to racial prejudice against the people of this country. I am surprised how much prejudice there already is against people from SKorea. I was reading some comments on youtube and was horrified. I guess some Japanese people are in dispute about "Dokdo" island and a handful of people had a bad experience working here as english teachers. For the record, I love South Korea and the people here. There are things I don't like, as anywhere, but they are outweighed by the good things. Peace.
I was thinking of some kind of post to make on this subject, 33 Dead, poor America and its civil unrest. Is it strange that this doesn't happen in other countries(or maybe it does and we just don't hear about it)
Not to change the subject, but I tried Kimchi the other day. Delicious. They sell it in Winnipeg and it's yumma yumma
The very nice Korean lady at my corner grocery store in Winnipeg was quite upset about the whole thing, and very apologetic. Koreans do have a tendency to view their society as kind of a large extended family, and are fairly conscious of other people's impressions of them (if I may generalize), and yes, unfortunately they do need to also worry about other people stereotyping them now, and all the prejudice that entails.
A neighbour of ours who is of east indian background said that her family was very concerned that the identity of the shooter didn't turn out to be middle eastern, as they were worried about more hysteria and backlash.
I don't know the reasons why this man did what he did, but I can state with confidence that it is not reflective of the general nature of Korean society.
Atrocities are committed by all race and cultures.I doubt that anyone would single a race out because of an individual. I should say I hope not anyway.
Unfortunately, I don't doubt for a second that people will single out a group based on the behaviour of an individual....
This is a very sad event, and certainly the most immediate tragedy is the death of 33 people.
However, I think the issues raised around discrimination and racism are important.
I had a number of Korean Canadian students who were very distressed about the shooter being Korean.
They were concerned about being labelled and I definately got the sense of the "extended family" view of Korean society that Sky referred to earlier.
One of my students was explaining that they fear this will affect trade and future relationships with the US. (Apparently this is discussed on Korean TV? Macro?)
Unfortunately, I think Sky is right, expect backlash.
I'm sure many issues are discussed on Korean TV, (un)fortunately I don't have a TV and don't speak Korean.
(PS. Sky how did you make italics!)
I was trying to post it as you edited it by the way. good job.
Oh good =)
OK, enough of the word unfortunately (and I started it)... there is hope for the better, for all that I said earlier, let's not forget that.
As for italics, just do this:
(i)here is what will be italicized(/i)
but, replace the parentheses with angle brackets.
This is sadness,
all those people...
too young...at their beginning...
Pure sadness...with detachment of course...
detached nonetheless.
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