A Day of Remembrance Vigil
Candlelight vigil held on the drillfield on 4/16/08, A Day of Remembrace. Burruss Hall seen in the background.
Photo by Kevin Cupp.
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Original Source
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevincupp/2419501565/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevincupp/2419501565/</a>
Kevin Cupp
2008-05-07
Kacey Beddoes
Kevin Cupp (k@vt.edu)
eng
A Day of Remembrance Vigil
Candlelight vigil held on 4/16/08, A Day of Remembrace.
Photo by Kevin Cupp.
--
Original Source
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevincupp/2420319380/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevincupp/2420319380/</a>
Kevin Cupp
2008-05-07
Kacey Beddoes
Kevin Cupp (k@vt.edu)
eng
A Day of Remembrance Wallpaper
Artist's Comments:
This Wednesday marks the one year anniversary of April 16, 2007. Here is the follow-up wallpaper pack to last year's [link]
A Day of Remembrance - 4/16/2008
We Will Never Forget.
Created by hypoh.
Licensed under Creative Commons
<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/">Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 Unported</a>
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Original Source:
<a href="http://hypoh.deviantart.com/">http://hypoh.deviantart.com/</a>
hypoh
2008-05-05
Kacey Beddoes
eng
A Day of Remembrance: University events on April 16, 2008
Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:21:02 -0500
From: Provost@vt.edu
To: Multiple recipients <LISTSERV@LISTSERV.VT.EDU>
Subject: A Day of Remembrance: University events on April 16, 2008
Thursday, February 20, 2008
Dear students, faculty, and staff of Virginia Tech
Three weeks ago, Virginia Tech President Charles Steger established a 21-person steering committee to guide the planning of on-campus activities to be held on April 16, 2008, marking the tragedy that occurred on campus one year earlier.
The planning committee included students, faculty, staff, administrators, and community members, plus students and family members directly affected by the events. Provost Mark McNamee chaired the committee and Jay Poole, director of the Office of Recovery and Support (ORS), served as vice-chair. Megan Armbruster from ORS provided administrative and operational support.
The committee met three times and openly discussed a range of ideas for the official university observances of the April 16, 2007 tragedy. The committee welcomed input from those who wished to contribute, and benefited greatly from the advice and support of the affected families and students.
Several major decisions emerged by consensus from the committee's deliberations: April 16, 2008 will focus on the lives of the 32 innocent students and faculty members who were killed on April 16, 2007; events will be simple and respectful; opportunities will be provided for anyone who wishes to honor the memories of the victims.
In the spirit of these guidelines, the following events will represent the official university commemoration of "A Day of Remembrance" on April 16, 2008.
==> 10:30 a.m. to noon: University Commemoration Event, Drillfield (rain or shine): The names of each innocent victim and a few words about the special qualities of each person will be read aloud. President Steger will welcome those assembled. (The selection of readers and the format of the readings is still a work in progress.)
==> Sundown (approximately 7:45 p.m.): Candlelight Vigil, Drillfield (rain or shine): The students of Virginia Tech will sponsor and organize a candlelight vigil beginning at sundown. The initial lighting of candles will begin by using a ceremonial candle at the university memorial site that will burn during the entire day.
In addition, between noon and 5 p.m., the university will provide venues across campus where individuals or groups who may wish express or witness remembrances in the form of poetry or other readings; writing; musical or artistic performances; art creation; flower planting; or other activities including service activities. Our goal is to balance opportunities for individual, informal expression with some structured activities. Venues and formats will be announced as plans evolve.
As it becomes available, all information will be posted to the "April 16, 2008: A Day of Remembrance" website (www.remembrance.vt.edu). This website will be linked to the university homepage and will become live during the week of February 25.
Additional Activities
The students of Virginia Tech are also sponsoring a university and community picnic on Sunday April 20, 2008 from 1 to 4 p.m. This picnic will recognize and support everyone who contributed in so many important ways to the April 16, 2007 emergency response, and the immediate and ongoing recovery and support efforts. Introductions will occur at approximately 1:30 p.m.
On April 16, 2008, several private events will be organized in collaboration with the families of the deceased and the injured students. The families and injured students may choose to participate in any of the university events, but they will not be formally identified as participants.
No classes will be held on April 16, 2008, but the university will be open. Faculty and staff may participate in any of the university activities if they wish to. We understand that many faculty, staff, and students do not know how they will feel or react on April 16, 2008. We urge all employees and supervisors to be flexible and to place highest priority on the health and welfare of each individual. We will view April 16, 2008 as a very special workday that will not require staff to take sick leave, personal leave, or vacation time. Some buildings will be closed and those employees will not be expected to report to work. Counseling support will be available throughout campus.
Megan Armbruster from the Office of Recovery and Support will serve as the operational director for the April 16, 2008 events. She has begun her work with many university offices on logistics and support issues, and is assembling a task force for the events. All questions and suggestions should be sent to Armbruster at remembrance@vt.edu.
Mark McNamee
University Provost
Mark McNamee
2008-02-21
Brent Jesiek
eng
A Day of Remembrance.
View of the drillfield prior to a University Commemoration on the morning of
April 16, 2008, A Day of Remembrance.
Photo by Brent Jesiek.
Licensed under Creative Commons
<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/">Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0</a>
Brent Jesiek
2008-04-28
Kacey Beddoes
Brent Jesiek (bjesiek@vt.edu)
eng
A Hokie speaks with VA Governor Tim Kaine
A Hokie speaks with VA Governor Tim Kaine at the Commemoration ceremony on 4/16/08.
Photo by Roger Gupta.
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Original Source
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spector1/2420486762/in/set-72157604566974642/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/spector1/2420486762/in/set-72157604566974642/</a>
Roger Gupta
2008-05-02
Kacey Beddoes
"Gupta, Roger" <ragupta@vt.edu>
eng
Afghanistan Embassy Flag
One of the items on display at the Alumni Center Art Exhibit. On 4/16/08, as part of the Day of Remembrance observance, the Holtzman Alumni Center Museum displayed examples of art, crafts, quilts, and other memorabilia contributed since April 16, 2007. This is one of over 60,000 items that will eventually go to Special Collections at Newman Library.
This flag was flown at half-staff from April 17, 2007 until sunset on April 27, 2007 at the American Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. It was then sent to VT with a letter expressing sincere condolences. The letter was signed by Ambassador William B. Wood, Darrell H. Chapman, VT class of 1990, Kirk Ingvoldstad, father of Nicholas J. Ingvoldstad VT class of 2010, Karen Johnson, mother of Matthew D.J. Mitchell VT class of Dec. 1998, and Sara Rosenberry, VT Faculty member 1977-1988.
Kacey Beddoes
2008-05-09
Kacey Beddoes
Kacey Beddoes (kbeddoes@vt.edu)
eng
Alameddine memorial
Memorial stone for Ross A. Alameddine on 4/16/08.
Photo by Brian Sewell.
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Original Source:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/briansewell/2419169815/in/set-72157604577382666/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/briansewell/2419169815/in/set-72157604577382666/</a>
Brian Sewell
2008-05-02
Kacey Beddoes
Brian Sewell <bwsewell@vt.edu>
eng
Alison St. Onge Speaks at Lie-In
Virginia Tech senior Alison St. Onge speaks at a student "lie-in" at the far end of the drillfield on April 16, 2008, A Day of Remembrance. Organized by St. Onge, the event was intended to memorialize the victims and protest easy access to firearms. Other family and friends of victims spoke at the event before dozens of supporters laid down in silent protest and reflection.
Photo by Brent Jesiek.
Licensed under Creative Commons
<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/">Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0</a>
Brent Jesiek
2008-05-07
Kacey Beddoes
Brent Jesiek (bjesiek@vt.edu)
eng
Anne Goddard Speaks at Lie-In
Anne Goddard, whose son Colin was injured during the April 16 shootings at Virginia Tech, speaks at a student "lie-in" on the drillfield on April 16, 2008, A Day of Remembrance. Organized by Virginia Tech senior Alison St. Onge, the lie-in was designed as both a protest against easy access to firearms and a memorial to the victims. Family and friends of the victims spoke at the event before dozens of supporters laid down in silent protest and reflection.
Photo by Brent Jesiek.
Licensed under Creative Commons
<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/">Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0</a>
Brent Jesiek
2008-05-07
Kacey Beddoes
Brent Jesiek (bjesiek@vt.edu)
eng
Anniversary Candlelight Vigil
A candlelight vigil held on 4/16/08, A Day of Remembrance.
Photo by Roger Gupta.
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Original Source:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spector1/2457788161/in/set-72157604566974642/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/spector1/2457788161/in/set-72157604566974642/</a>
Roger Gupta
2008-05-02
Kacey Beddoes
"Gupta, Roger" <ragupta@vt.edu>
eng
Anniversary Reactions to a Traumatic Event
Date: Mon, 14 Apr 2008 22:00:00 -0400
From: Unirel@vt.edu
To: Multiple recipients <LISTSERV@LISTSERV.VT.EDU>
Subject: Anniversary Reactions to a Traumatic Event
Here is some information from the university's Cook Counseling Center and the university Employee Relations Office.
Source: National Mental Health Information Center of the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services
Anniversary Reactions to a Traumatic Event:
The Recovery Process Continues
As the anniversary of a disaster or traumatic event approaches, many survivors report a return of restlessness and fear. Psychological literature calls it the anniversary reaction and defines it as an individual's response to unresolved grief resulting from significant losses. The anniversary reaction can involve several days or even weeks of anxiety, anger, nightmares, flashbacks, depression, or fear. On a more positive note, the anniversary of a disaster or traumatic event also can provide an opportunity for emotional healing. Individuals can make significant progress in working through the natural grieving process by recognizing, acknowledging, and paying attention to the feelings and issues that surface during their anniversary reaction. These feelings and issues can help individuals develop perspective on the event and figure out where it fits in their hearts, minds, and lives.
It is important to note that not all survivors of a disaster or traumatic event experience an anniversary reaction. Those who do, however, may be troubled because they did not expect and do not understand their reaction. For these individuals, knowing what to expect in advance may be helpful.
Common anniversary reactions among survivors of a disaster or traumatic event include:
Memories, Dreams, Thoughts, and Feelings: Individuals may replay memories, thoughts, and feelings about the event, which they can't turn off. They may see repeated images and scenes associated with the trauma or relive the event over and over. They may have recurring dreams or nightmares. These reactions may be as vivid on the anniversary as they were at the actual time of the disaster or traumatic event.
Grief and Sadness: Individuals may experience grief and sadness related to the loss of income, employment, a home, or a loved one. Even people who have moved to new homes often feel a sense of loss on the anniversary. Those who were forced to relocate to another community may experience intense homesickness for their old neighborhoods.
Fear and Anxiety: Fear and anxiety may resurface around the time of the
anniversary, leading to jumpiness, startled responses, and vigilance about safety. These feelings may be particularly strong for individuals who are still working through the grieving process.
Frustration, Anger, and Guilt: The anniversary may reawaken frustration and anger about the disaster or traumatic event. Survivors may be reminded of the possessions, homes, or loved ones they lost; the time taken away from their lives; the frustrations with bureaucratic aspects of the recovery process; and the slow process of rebuilding and healing. Individuals may also experience guilt about survival. These feelings may be particularly strong for individuals who are not fully recovered financially and emotionally. Avoidance: Some survivors try to protect themselves from experiencing an anniversary reaction by avoiding reminders of the event and attempting to treat the anniversary as just an ordinary day. Even for these people, it can be helpful to learn about common reactions that they or their loved ones may encounter, so they are not surprised if reactions occur.
Remembrance: Many survivors welcome the cleansing tears, commemoration, and fellowship that the anniversary of the event offers. They see it as a time to honor the memory of what they have lost. They might light a candle, share favorite memories and stories, or attend a worship service.
Reflection: The reflection brought about by the anniversary of a disaster or traumatic event is often a turning point in the recovery process. It is an opportunity for people to look back over the past year, recognize how far they have come, and give themselves credit for the challenges they surmounted. It is a time for survivors to look inward and to recognize and appreciate the courage, stamina, endurance, and resourcefulness that they and their loved ones showed during the recovery process. It is a time for people to look around and pause to appreciate the family members, friends, and others who supported them through the healing process. It is also a time when most people can look forward with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. Although these thoughts, feelings, and reactions can be very upsetting, it helps to understand that it is normal to have strong reactions to a disaster or
traumatic event and its devastation many months later. Recovery from a disaster or traumatic event takes time, and it requires rebuilding on many levels - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. However, with patience, understanding, and support from family members and friends, you can emerge from a disaster or traumatic event stronger than before.
If you are still having trouble coping, ask for help. Consult a counselor or mental health professional.
At Virginia Tech, students should contact the Cook Counseling Center at 231-6557. Faculty and staff can contact the Employee Assistance Center at 866-725-0602 or Employee Relations at 231-9331.
- end -
University Relations (unirel@vt.edu)
2008-04-14
Brent Jesiek
eng
Art room sign
This sign stood at the entrance to the room for "Remembering Through Art Creation". As part of A Day of Remembrance, 4/16/08, the Remembering Through Art Creation activities allowed people to paint rocks and kites as well as leave messages in victims' blessing boxes.
Kacey Beddoes
2008-05-09
Kacey Beddoes
Kacey Beddoes (kbeddoes@vt.edu)
eng
Artwork with stones
One of the items on display at the Alumni Center Art Exhibit. On 4/16/08, as part of the Day of Remembrance observance, the Holtzman Alumni Center Museum displayed examples of art, crafts, quilts, and other memorabilia contributed since April 16, 2007. This is one of over 60,000 items that will eventually go to Special Collections at Newman Library.
This piece of art by Farhan Abouassali was accompanied by a letter of explanation that said:
"The first analysis is the earthy tangible section represented by a building with three dimensional look stones to resemble the colors and the look of most of the Virginia Tech buildings on campus.
Second, the colors of the Hokies flowers that represent the student or the Hokies who raised their hands to the sky waving goodbye to their Hokies friends.
Third, the 32 fallen Hokies, the victims of the tragedy being grouped together with the sun in ceremonial cession, and they all making a complete circle. The 32 Hokies spirits shape half of the circle and the sun completes the other half. The ceremony is to prepare spirits of the victims to the second life or to eternity.
Fourth, the representation of a superior life, and the space that carry the spirits to heaven is manifested in the upper part of the painting.
Finally, the gradual change of Hokies colors from the bright orange to the dark maroom is meant to be so obvious and not to blend completely. I intended the shades of the colors to show and resemble the skyline of the new river valley with the shapes of the mountains all around it."
(the first 2 lines of the letter were not visible at the exhibit.)
Kacey Beddoes
2008-05-09
Kacey Beddoes
Kacey Beddoes (kbeddoes@vt.edu)
eng
Attention Media
A sign on an entry to one of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Barracks reads:
"ATTENTION MEDIA PERSONNEL
Please respect our time and space as we reflect and remember. Media personnel and equipment are not allowed in our residence hall communities as they are considered "safe havens" during this special time. If media are found in the building, the police will be called.
Thank you,
Residence Life Staff"
Another sign below this reads:
"VIRGINIA TECH CORPS OF CADETS BARRACKS
NO ADMITTANCE BEYOND THIS POINT WITHOUT CADET ESCORT"
Photo by Brent Jesiek.
Licensed under Creative Commons
<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/">Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0</a>
Brent Jesiek
2008-05-30
Kacey Beddoes
Brent Jesiek (bjesiek@vt.edu)
eng
Beamer
Football coach Frank Beamer at Commemoration on 4/16/08.
Photo by Kevin Cupp.
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Original Source:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevincupp/2419489755/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevincupp/2419489755/</a>
Kevin Cupp
2008-05-03
Kacey Beddoes
Kevin Cupp <k@vt.edu>
eng
Beamer and Football Team
Football coach Frank Beamer stands with the football team for Commemoration on 4/16/08.
Photo by Kevin Cupp.
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Original Source:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevincupp/2420303862/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevincupp/2420303862/</a>
Kevin Cupp
2008-05-03
Kacey Beddoes
Kevin Cupp <k@vt.edu>
eng
Before Commemoration
View of the crowd prior to a University Commemoration on the morning of April
16, 2008, A Day of Remembrance.
Photo by Brent Jesiek.
Licensed under Creative Commons
<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/">Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0</a>
Kacey Beddoes
2008-04-28
Kacey Beddoes
Brent Jesiek (bjesiek@vt.edu)
eng
Bishop memorial
Memorial stone of Christopher James Bishop on 4/16/08.
Photo by Brian Sewell.
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Original Source:
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/briansewell/2419985562/in/set-72157604577382666/">http://flickr.com/photos/briansewell/2419985562/in/set-72157604577382666/</a>
Brian Sewell
2008-05-02
Kacey Beddoes
Brian Sewell <bwsewell@vt.edu>
eng
Blessing boxes
As part of the "Remembering Through Art Creation" activities on 4/16/08, a "blessing box" for each victim were set up. The sign for the boxes said,
"Please leave a note, a drawing, a remembrance, a wish or a blessing. Seal your message in an envelope and leave it in the appropriate box(es). Each box will be sealed in the tradition of a healing, protective amulet with the intention that it not be opened."
Kacey Beddoes
2008-05-09
Kacey Beddoes
Kacey Beddoes (kbeddoes@vt.edu)
eng