Virginia Tech Remembrance Day
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 recent tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary
School in Newtown, Connecticut once again highlights the need to continue to
work to ensure safe educational environments at all levels;
and
WHEREAS, the Governor's School and Campus Safety
Taskforce is working to review and strengthen security practices in all of
Virginia's schools and on all campuses, building upon the good work that has
already been done in our Commonwealth; 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;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby
recognize April 16, 2013 as VIRGINIA TECH REMEMBRANCE DAY in our
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the
attention of all our citizens.