Gov. Blagojevich proclaims Friday as day of mourning for Virginia Tech victims         

Blagojevich joins Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and other governors in ringing bells to remember victims, asks Illinoisans to participate

[April 19, 2007]  CHICAGO -- In remembrance of the victims of the Virginia Tech tragedy, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich issued a proclamation declaring Friday as a day of mourning for the Virginia Tech victims. At the request of Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, Blagojevich is encouraging all churches, schools and government entities to join in the ringing of bells at 11 a.m. Central time for those who lost their lives on Monday.

"People across our state were stung by the senseless violence and loss of innocent lives at Virginia Tech earlier this week," Blagojevich said. "Our hearts go out to the families, the university and the people of Virginia. I pray that they will someday find peace as they try to make sense of this horrendous tragedy."

Earlier this week, Blagojevich ordered all state facilities to lower the U.S. and Illinois state flags to half-staff in memory of the victims of the Virginia Tech tragedy.

The full text of the proclamation reads as follows:

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States of America suffered a great tragedy on April 16, 2007 when 32 people were murdered and dozens more were injured on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia; and

WHEREAS, the State of Illinois grieves with those who lost loved ones on that day, and we pray that they and the entire Virginia Tech community can someday find peace and solace in the wake of this senseless act of violence; and

WHEREAS, in the words of Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine, "April 16, 2007 will be remembered in the hearts and minds of Virginians and all Americans for the rest of their lives." Indeed this is a tragedy that our nation will never forget, and we come together as a people to mourn with the victims’ families; and

WHEREAS, Governor Kaine will declare a Day of Mourning in Virginia on April 20, highlighted by a bell ringing ceremony at noon (eastern time) in honor of the victims of the Virginia Tech tragedy; and

WHEREAS, Illinois is humbled yet saddened to join in this solemn observance, and will hold a bell ringing ceremony in accordance with Governor Kaine’s declaration:

THEREFORE, I, Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim April 20, 2007 as A DAY OF MOURNING FOR THE VIRGINIA TECH VICTIMS in Illinois, and encourage all citizens to join in the ringing of bells at 11 am (central time) in memory of those who lost their lives on that dreadful day.

[Text from file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]