Blacksburg – Virginia Tech’s 3.2-Mile Run in Remembrance was offered as a virtual event this year from April 16-18, and this year’s observance included 26 Hokies from Warm Hearth Village who could run, walk, or jog on their own.
John Hillison, a Warm Hearth Village (WHV) resident and former Virginia Tech Agricultural Education professor and department head, and Dr. Richard Shepherd, a resident and retired physician who specialized in emergency and family medicine, mapped out 3.2 miles on the WHV campus and recruited 26 residents and employees to participate on April 17.
“I was in the first remembrance race in 2008 and in every race since,” said Hillison. “Warm Hearth residents are exceptionally active. I thought there would be interest in participating in this annual race and we’ve done it as a group the six years I’ve lived here,” he said.
Shepherd said, “For me, the run is a way to honor the 32 souls who were lost and a way to keep their memory alive and also is a reminder that each and every day is a gift and an opportunity to show kindness to my fellow human beings.”
The event started with a group photo and some words about the 32 persons being remembered. At the finish line, participants shared accounts of their day on April 16, 2007.
Susan Bixler, a WHV employee, said, “This was a pretty emotional morning, and it felt so good to share it with others and tell our stories. Employees and residents live and learn closely together and have formed tight relationships.”
Warm Hearth Village is a nonprofit senior living community in Blacksburg that provides a full continuum of living options on its campus and in the home.
