Steve Huppert
Columnist
hupps440@aol.com
On Mar. 28 and April 18, two big events will occur on Virginia Tech’s campus, two things that we should be involved in as both are events are designed for citizens of the New River Valley. It will be a great way to bring in spring and warm weather and the opportunity to express ourselves.
On Mar. 28, 3 to 6 p.m., near the Virginia Tech campus will be the “No Kings” rally. This rally is part of a nationwide statement by towns and cities across the country to get involved. “No Kings” rallies have been conducted before, the rallies are an attempt to show people throughout the country that the United States does not have, or need, a king or dictator. This country was founded on the rights of each individual to express themselves to others.
When people don’t have the interest or the ability to voice their opinion, all of us lose. Citizens need to have the right to be a part of what is going on in the country. The process is called standing up for what is right.
On April 18, the community will walk in remembrance to the 32 students and faculty who were killed on the Virginia Tech campus, April 16, 2007.
I don’t know why terrible things happen, but they do; it hurts not just for today, but for years. It doesn’t seem right, especially when they were so young. What is right is that we continue to remember the tragedy of the event.
The 3.2-mile walk (just a little over a 5k) will begin at 9 a.m. on the Virginia Tech drill field next to the library with a moment of silence and then thousands of students and citizens of the New River Valley will walk through the campus.
The walk includes bands, chorus groups, cheer leaders and individuals supporting the walk. One of the highlights is walking on Worsham Field at Lane Stadium, and meeting members of the Virginia Tech football team. From the stands, they don’t look that big, but when you are side-by-side it is apparent that they have not missed many meals and their mothers were more than pleased when they left for VT and didn’t need to feed them. Don’t forget to bring a wide-angle camera.
The Rally and the Walk for Remembrance are two wonderful events that make you proud to be an American and part of the Virginia Tech community.
