|
McNamee said survivors and parents of students slain five years ago have been part of the planning committee on anniversaries. They were fearful the events of April 16, 2007, would dim with time, so the university has stuck to symbolic remembrances of the day such as the candlelight vigil and a 3.2-mile run over the weekend that attracted 6,800 participants. While the vast majority of students who were on campus in 2007 are gone, many current faculty members were there. He said he has heard no complaints about the decision to hold classes Monday. Still, he said, memories of that day "can catch you by surprise." "It's not too deeply buried," McNamee said. "A faculty member may be teaching and remember that day." In Washington, Virginia Tech survivor Colin Goddard and other gun control advocates would begin two days of lobbying Congress on Monday. Goddard's documentary, "Living for 32," will also be screened on college campuses and communities across the country.
Alumni groups have been sponsoring service-based events leading to and on the anniversary. In Delaware, for instance, the First State Chapter participated in a Habitat for Humanity project Saturday, while members of the Portland, Ore., chapter volunteered for a tree planting. The Denver chapter sponsored a 3.2-mile "Remembrance Walk/Run" on Sunday, and the National Capital Region Chapter sponsored a blood drive in the Washington suburbs. In Blacksburg, the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets was to conclude the day by standing guard for 32 minutes prior to the 11:59 p.m. snuffing of a ceremonial candle. ___ Online: Virginia Tech: http://www.vt.edu/
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
News | Sports | Business | Rural Review | Teaching & Learning | Home and Family | Tourism | Obituaries
Community |
Perspectives
|
Law & Courts |
Leisure Time
|
Spiritual Life |
Health & Fitness |
Teen Scene
Calendar
|
Letters to the Editor