BLACKSBURG, Va. (WSET) — April 16, 2007, is a day that forever changed the Commonwealth. Eighteen years ago, 32 lives were tragically lost in the mass shooting at Virginia Tech.
To honor the victims, Governor Youngkin has ordered flags across Virginia to be flown at half-staff on Wednesday in remembrance. Both the U.S. and state flags will be lowered at sunrise and remain at half-staff until sunset. That’s just one of the many ways the Hokie community and the Commonwealth continue to remember and honor those who were lost.
There were also 17 others who were injured. It’s a day that will forever live in infamy at Virginia Tech. Despite the time that has passed, officials and former students continue to keep the memory alive of those that we lost. There will be a number of events on Wednesday.
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The ceremonial candle was lit by representatives of the student body, and the names of the 32 Hokies lost on April 16, 2007, were read, followed by the playing of taps late Tuesday night. Members of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets will stand guard. The candle will remain lit for 24 hours. Then at 9:43 a.m., the wreath laying and moment of silence will take place at the April 16 memorial, then at 11:27 p.m., members of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets will stand guard at the April 16 memorial for 32 minutes. At 11:59, the extinguishing of the ceremonial candle will take place.
The light will be carried back into Burruss Hall, representing Virginia Tech’s commitment to never forgetting.
ABC13 will be there throughout the day to bring you the very latest from Blacksburg.
