Letter: Sorrow pervades entire VT community
Letter to the Editor
April 18, 2007
This note is addressed to the students of Virginia Tech. Never in one day have I been so stricken with grief and sorrow for my fellow Hokies, while at the same time been so proud to be part of the Virginia Tech community. As an alumnus and a very proud Hokie, I would like to take this opportunity to commend the students and student body of Virginia Tech during this time of crisis and subsequent mourning. I do not need to belabor the point of what each and every one of you, your parents and loved ones have had to endure in the past hours. But the manner with which each of you individually and as a collective whole have carried yourselves through this tragedy has struck me so deeply that I cannot let it go with out comment. Your cooperation with law enforcement and university officials has allowed these groups to further protect each and every one of you, care for those who required assistance and conduct their investigations in the proper manner. The interviews I have seen given by students have been conducted in a manner befitting this great university in order to help tell the sad story of what unfolded on campus Monday morning, as well as to provide insight into the emotions pulsating throughout the community in the hours that followed the incidents. Never once did I see a student act unprofessionally or immaturely and this is something of which the world will take notice. The media has done its best to stir up controversy where perhaps none needs to be created. As I watch the live telecasts I fear that the major newsgroups are beginning to dishonor the memories of our fallen classmates and friends in order to fulfill their own vanity and career goals by creating issues that do not serve the greater good. Yet, every student I have seen interviewed--regardless of their stance on the controversy--has not lost sight of the important story that took place in Blacksburg. We will never be able to replace the emptiness in our hearts where our friends once resided, but we can honor their memories by conducting ourselves in a manner that serves them, our families, the university and ourselves. Please know that you have the full and unending support of your families, friends and fellow alumni in this time of dire need. I applaud and pray for you, the students of Virginia Tech.
Justin R. Bachtell
Class of 2004
Industrial & Systems Engineering