Virginia Tech students bracedthemselves Tuesday for a solemn reminder of what had taken place nearly a year before, some of them uncertain of what reaction the first anniversary of the massacre would rouse.
Despite the somber undercurrent, the population of the expansive Blacksburg campus went about its day like any other, save for the preparations for a major ceremony on the school’s drillfield today.
“I don’t think there is much tension here, I guess there is more of a sense of mourning,” said Don Tint, a sophomore computer science major from Fairfax, who said he expected to see more outbursts the day before the anniversary.
Gov. Tim Kaine called for a statewide day of remembrance today for the victims of the April 16 shootings, in which mentally ill student gunman Seung-Hui Cho shot and killed 32 students and faculty before killing himself. The governor announced that state flags would be flown at half-staff for the day and called for a statewide moment of silence at noon, which would be followed by bell tolls. Kaine, with University President Charles Steger, are among those scheduled to speak at today’s events.
Freshman Valerie Hogan said she felt normal Tuesday, “but tomorrow I’m sure it will switch over to being more emotional.”
Others were unwilling to talk to the news media, whose return to the campus in recent days itself reminded students of the aftermath of the massacre. A sign by the drillfield told the media to stay away, and all about there was a palpable sense of exhaustion with the numerous reporters and camera crews. The mix of emotions on campus was encapsulated in the reactions of those who walked by a group of students offering “free hugs.” Some embraced the students, some quickly shuffled past, some refused. Junior Whitney Hayes said she had hugged hundreds of people since she and the others began that morning. She said they were inspired by a “Free Hugs” campaign that began in Australia.
“We figured with the 16th coming up, we’d come out here and support everyone,” she said.
