BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech will observe the 2024 Day of Remembrance to honor the students and faculty members who lost their lives on April 16, 2007.
At 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, the 3.2-Mile Run in Remembrance, an annual event that attracts thousands of walkers and runners to the Blacksburg campus, will begin — rain or shine — at 9 a.m. with a moment of silence.
The run’s 3.2-mile course will begin in front of Patton Hall, near Burrus Hall, and pass by landmarks such the Grove, Lane Stadium, and the Virginia Tech Pylons, ending at the April 16 Memorial. Advance registration for this event is encouraged.
Virtual participation opportunities are available in addition to the in-person event. Virtual participants are encouraged to move in a way that is meaningful to them and to share photos using the hashtag #VT32Run on social media.
On Tuesday, April 16, the lighting of the ceremonial candle will be held at 12:01 a.m. at the April 16 Memorial, located in front of Burruss Hall on Drillfield Drive. The candle will be lit by representatives of the student body, and the names of the 32 Hokies lost on April 16, 2007, will be read. Members of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets will stand in watch for the 24 hours that the candle is lit.
At 9:43 a.m., a brief wreath-laying ceremony and moment of silence will be held at the April 16 Memorial. Student members of the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad will carry wreaths to the memorial, which will then be placed by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands and Laura Sands and Executive Vice President and Provost Cyril Clarke.
At 11:59 p.m., the ceremonial candle will be extinguished and the light will be carried back into Burruss Hall, representing the university’s commitment to never forget.
There are also more than 20 alumni chapter events planned. Details are available on the We Remember website.
Several other university events, including Spring Family Weekend, and the football Spring Game will be held over the April 13-14 weekend. Parking and transportation information is posted online to help those attending events that weekend.
Mark Owczarski for Virginia Tech