Reclaiming April 16

By Shamus Williams

Earlier this year, the university decided to cancel classes on April 16 in order to honor the lives lost in the shootings and to allow students a day to grieve.

The university made the right decision on this issue, and I hope that officials will consider making it an annual occurrence -- that Virginia Tech will never hold classes on April 16 again. That day has such meaning for the school, and it would be a terrific tribute to the 32 lives lost to reserve the day for commemoration and reflection.

The school was changed forever last year, and at no other time have the students, faculty and staff ever come closer than in the days that followed the shootings. By setting aside the day of April 16, we can all be reminded of how the Hokie nation became unified, and that no matter our differences, we are all part of the same family.

I would advocate for the university to call every April 16th “"Hokies Day."” Similar to this year, the university could hold a memorial service during the day, a candlelight vigil at night and other events during the day that would focus on bringing our community together in a positive way. By doing so, we -- and future generations of Hokies -- could reclaim the day that changed us forever.

By Amy L. Kovac |  April 16, 2008; 6:30 AM ET  | Category:  Shamus Williams
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