Day of mourning
CT Features Staff
April 20, 2007
It's a symbol that stands for many beliefs and unifies a nation. Often, its profound imprint may be taken for granted when pasted on bumper stickers, pizza boxes and cheaply made T-shirts. The stars and stripes are omnipresent reminders of history, quietly whispering among a backdrop of white noise in a busy nation. However, at the height of an event, such as the one that took place at Virginia Tech, this symbol has the most voice and impact when it is lowered--meaning one thing, mourning.
Perhaps this is why the President of the United States ordered the nation's flag to remain at half-staff until this Sunday's sunset, to let Virginia Tech know the country stands beside them in this difficult time.
"It's amazing how our community extends beyond Blacksburg even, encompassing the entire state and country. It's remarkable and very moving," said Andrew Hopkins, second year grad student in aerospace engineering.
As many Virginia Tech students travel across highways to reunite with family and friends, these silent tributes stand tall at half-staff, letting students know they are not alone in their sadness, for everyone has experienced pain and loss. And while Hokies mourn in maroon and orange--and this symbol of our nation mourns in red, white and blue--so does the state of Virginia.
"As our Commonwealth begins the long and difficult healing process, I am filled with images of a Virginia Tech community that is resilient and unified," said Governor Timothy M. Kaine. "I ask that everyone in Virginia pause at noon on Friday to offer prayers of support for the victims, their families and for all those affected by this tragedy."
Governor Kaine has declared a statewide day of mourning for the victims of Monday's tragedy at Virginia Tech for Friday, April 20. Today, he will participate in an interfaith prayer service in Monroe Park on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.
Governor Kaine has additionally encouraged other communities in Virginia and across the nation to hold their own simultaneous ceremonies and participate in prayer services, beginning with the ringing of bells at noon, eastern standard time.
Students are continuously shocked by those who empathize with Virginia Tech: the support of the nation, states and communities surrounding Blacksburg.
"I haven't been watching the news because I was so overwhelmed with the media, but the thing that gets me is all the people coming out of the wood work from different colleges and places," said Justin Wish, junior interdisciplinary studies major.
Wish continued, "Having them say they are on our side and they are all Hokies for this week is touching and makes me realize everyone is connected to Virginia Tech. Seeing everyone wearing maroon and orange on Friday, especially people who are not from Tech, is going to be something else."
Today, all Virginians are Hokies. Today, red, white and blue is one and the same with maroon and orange. Today, Virginia Tech will stand tall, as a symbol of strength united by a state and a nation of support, with a flag half-mast and mourning.