BLACKSBURG, Va.—
Governor McDonnell has issued an official proclamation, recognizing Monday as Virginia Tech Rememberance Day across the state.Also, McDonnell will attend Virginia Tech's commemoration and candle light vigil to be held Monday in Blacksburg.
On Monday morning there will also be an official moment of silence starting at 9:43 a.m., followed by the ringing of the Capitol Square Bell Tower once for each victim of the tragedy.
Monday is the fifth anniversary of the Virginia Tech shootings that left 33 people dead, including the gunman.
Here is the proclamation release from Governor McDonnell's Office:
Governor Bob McDonnell has issued a proclamation officially recognizing April 16, 2012 as Virginia Tech Remembrance Day in the Commonwealth of Virginia. At 9:43am on Monday, April 16th there will be an official moment of silence in the Commonwealth, followed by the ringing of the Capitol Square Bell Tower once for each victim of the tragedy. Later that day, Governor McDonnell will attend the University Commemoration and Candlelight Vigil at Virginia Tech.
WHEREAS, on the morning of April 16, 2007, a tragedy of immense magnitude and senselessness befell the campus of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; and
WHEREAS, the lives of 32 individuals from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University were hastily taken, leaving absences that will never be filled and a profound sense of sorrow in the lives of those impacted; and
WHEREAS, the community continues to mourn those who perished, we also honor those individuals wounded as they individually and collectively strive to prevail through this tragedy; and
WHEREAS, we recognize and thank local, state, and federal first responders who courageously answered the call of duty in an effort to prevent the further loss of life; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia join with those from across the country and around the world in their thoughts and prayers to honor the cherished memories of those who lost their lives and those wounded; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize April 16, 2012, as VIRGINIA TECH REMEMBRANCE DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.
