Tonight I was a Hokie.
This afternoon we went to Virginia Tech to participate in the candlelight vigil organized by the students at VT. It was a beautiful experience of community healing, mourning and comfort. I’ve debated since yesterday, which seems an eternity ago, about whether I would post any comments or feelings about this tragedy. After tonight, I do feel like posting, not so much about the events of yesterday but the experiences of today.
After arriving in Blacksburg, we drove to Lane Stadium and parked in one of the overflow lots nearby. From there we walked toward the drill field. Neither my wife or I knew exactly where we were going and after a few minutes of walking we found ourselves beside the West A.J. dormitory. Allison had a very visceral reaction to being so close to this scene and my heart was troubled. We quickly moved away and found our way to the drill field well ahead of the candlelight vigil.
There was the constant reminder that this was a crime scene. Norris Hall is visible from the drill field with crime scene tape still intact and stuck in trees, placed there by the blustery winds. I counted 15 to 20 Virginia State Troopers around the drill field and we passed twice as many on our way to the drill field.
One thing that struck me was how quiet the campus was and how few people were around. Having been at the VT campus before I was expecting students to be out in the field, throwing the frisbee and socializing but there were probably less than 100 people out there. We found some candles and walked around the field. There was a minister playing guitar and singing songs of comfort, people were gathered around the impromptu memorial and gathered in small groups. It was a beautiful afternoon…brilliant blue skies and white clouds.
Shortly before the vigil began students and people began pouring out of dormitories and buildings, streaming in from the surrounding sidewalks. Estimates are around 20,000 to 40,000 people in attendance. What a privilege it was. Everyone was packed closely together holding the cold at bay and holding their candles of hope and comfort. The service was short but packed with good things. The media keeps playing the Hokie chant but the thing that struck me most was the playing of taps and the spontaneous singing of Amazing Grace by the large crowd.
Tonight, I was a Hokie.
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Thanks for coming, Marty - there’s a different atmosphere today, things seem a little more encouraging and people don’t seem so shocked. Perhaps healing has begun?
I’ll be posting this on my blog later today but thought I’d share if you didn’t get to see it … one of the most powerful moments I’ve ever been a part of.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cSuidxE8os
You know I had been struggling with it for those short 36 hours that seemed like days.
Last night I could feel the atmosphere change somewhat. It was humbling and moving to be there among everyone else and see the Light shining from everywhere. It wasn’t dark at all.
Just re-read this post again, and wanted to thank you again for taking the time to write it. You’re always welcome on this side of the mountain Jim Bob.