Sunset gave way to a candlelight-filled night as Virginia Tech commemorated and remembered three years after April 16, 2007.
Virginia Tech president Charles Steger and SGA president Brandon Carroll briefly addressed the thousands-strong audience before honoring the victims’ memories.
“It is in times of crisis that the identity and the character of an individual and institution reveals itself,” Steger said in his address.
“They are with us when we are weak, and they are supportive when we are strong,” Carroll said. “Their memories live on today.”
Patty Raun, head of the department of theater and cinema, and Scott Johnson, associate director of the Office of Recovery and Support, read all 32 names of the victims in front of thousands of members of the Tech community.
After a moment of silence, two a cappella groups, all-male “Juxtaposition” and all-female “Sensations,” performed jointly while candlelight spread over the Drillfield.
Members of the Highty-Tighties concluded the event with a rendition of “Taps” echoing from the memorial to the pylons overlooking the Drillfield.
The bells of Burruss Hall rang 32 times, concluding the event.
Freshman Christina Pitt was not a student at Tech during the shootings, but felt the event helped to make her feel more included in the community.
“It was a really good way to help students symbolize what happened… even though we weren’t here,” she said. “I hope people make sure to stop and be respectful and live their lives for the 32.”
Ed Spencer, vice-president of student affairs, agreed.
“I thought it was impressive how many people came out,” he said. “Even if they (underclassmen) weren’t here, they are part of this Hokie Nation.”
“Events like this and the 5K (3.2 for 32 Run) show the unity of the campus,” said Nathan Mack, a sophomore cadet corporal. “I pride myself on that (being a member of the corps). This was really beautiful.”
The commemoration and candlelight vigil were combined for this year’s Day of Remembrance. Both events will likely continue to be held in the future in their current form, according to provost Mark McNamee.