It's been five years since the massacre at Virginia Tech. Classes went on as they normally did when a senior English major with mental issues went on a shooting rampage in Norris Hall. Seung Hui Cho went from classroom to classroom shooting off more than 170 shots in about ten minutes and killing 32 people on April 16 2007. He then killed himself.
Virginia Tech Provost mark G. McNamee said the resumption of academic routine Monday was a tribute to the 27 students killed and the five faculty members killed. They all had a deep love for learning leading to grand dreams and to make a change in the world.
“One way to remember them is to go to class,” McNamee said. “That’s what they were doing, and that’s what we live for.”
Every one of the professors were allowed to do whatever they wish to schedule on the day. Some had a moment of silence at the beginning of class while others continued on with their normal routine. Only a few classes were cancelled. Others discussed what they felt five years before.
At midnight a warm glow of flame appeared at the doorway of administrative building at Virginia Tech. The light traveled from Burruss Hall down the stairsteps, past flowerbeds, and a Virginia State flag flying in the night sky. A crowd of a few hundred were gathered around the memorial to remember those that lost their lives.
Students stood silently watching the burning candle. Cadets saluted while a bugle began playing "Taps". The candle burned all day Monday. At 11:59 p.m. the ceremonial candle is to be extinguished and carried back into Burruss Hall, which the university officials say is symbolic of their ”commitment to never forget.”
No comments:
Post a Comment
HTML tags can be used for style. Anyone can comment using 'anonymous' from the drop down, so join the conversation!