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Tech game shows nation 'We're stronger than ever'
Virginia Tech uses game to mourn slain, tell nation 'We're stronger than ever'
Date published: 9/2/2007 By Jim McConnell BY JIM McCONNELL BLACKSBURG--Other than the ominous clouds hanging overhead, the scene outside Lane Stadium yesterday morning looked just like so many other fall Saturdays on the Virginia Tech campus: music playing, people smiling and sharing stories, boys tossing footballs with their dads and grill smoke mingling with the thin mountain air. The Hokies' season-opener against East Carolina wasn't just another football game, though. It was another small step in the healing process for a university that had its innocence ripped away in a hail of gunfire less than five months ago. "I've talked to some alumni today and they're still sad about what happened, but there's a lot of hope that Virginia Tech will heal, too," Virginia Tech junior Kyle Knight said, taking in the tailgating scene from a parking lot behind the stadium. For many former Hokies, the start of the 2007 football season marked the first time they had been to the campus since the April massacre that claimed 32 lives. They came yesterday to cheer for their beloved team, but also to pay tribute to those who perished in the nation's worst mass shooting. "I've looked forward to this day for a couple months," said Andrew Carle, a Blacksburg resident who bought season tickets for the first time this year. "It's a real community thing, being able to celebrate and share the emotion with your peers. Just looking at the crowd over at "GameDay" shows that." ESPN broadcast its popular pregame show live from Virginia Tech. Thousands of fans turned out for the show's first hour, which was filmed on a soccer/lacrosse field adjacent to Lane Stadium. The second hour was broadcast from a stage inside the stadium, allowing viewers across the nation to watch as the university honored the April 16 victims in a moving pregame ceremony. Unlike on a normal Saturday, when many tailgaters linger in the parking lot right up to game time, there wasn't an empty seat in the house when the ceremony began with a moment of silence 20 minutes before the opening kickoff. The ceremony concluded with a video tribute set to "Walk Humbly Son" by Eddie from Ohio, whose lead singer, Julie Murphy Wells, is a Virginia Tech alumna. Virginia Tech's cheerleaders then released 32 orange balloons to thunderous applause. "It was a great atmosphere in there. I thought people were saying, 'We care about each other and we're stronger than ever,'" Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer said. While the Hokies sent their fans home happy after a 17-7 victory, yesterday's game was significant for much bigger reasons. "It was important to play this game," Virginia Tech freshman Nick Lockhart said, "so we can start getting back to normal." Jim McConnell: 540/374-5444Email: jmcconnell@freelancestar.com
Date published: 9/2/2007
Dadster3 hasn't a clue
(posted by
Getitright
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)
Agreed. Some people just don't get it. He'll be one of those voting for Hillary, no doubt. If it wasn't for the dummies, I wouldn't feel so smart. God bless them. They can't help it.
What a Richard you are
(posted by
fugyou
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)
Intelligent, compassionate people realize you don't get over an event such as this. The fact you don't get it tells me you are someone who just lacks a soul--simply. I was nowhere near the twin towers when they fell, but I have not and will never "get over" that either. You want someone to disregard the largest mass killing in the United States? What, are you French or something?
Compassion?
(posted by
CncrndCitzen
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)
Dadster3, where is your humanity? Where is your compassion? If one of the victims had been a friend, a relative or even a family member, I'm quite sure you're, "Get over it" attitude would change.
Virginia Tech
(posted by
VTHokie8911
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)
The shooting WAS truly a tragedy. However, we will NEVER GET OVER IT. I'm a freshman at VT this year, and I didn't know any of the victims. Contrary to your belief, it is HARD to walk around campus and know that 32 other Hokies could be walking around as well. But they're not. It doesn't matter that the shooter is dead. THEY are gone. Forever. They will never attend another game, or go to another class. We celebrate because we are GRATEFUL for those lives and what they gave to us before they left.
Geez, Get Over It!
(posted by
dadster3
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)
The shooting at VT was truely a tragedy for the parents and friends of the victims. I question, however, how much psychic trauma there really is for the majority of the students. I suppose much of this endless celebration victimhood has to do with the MSM's lust for sensationalism.
But, hey, it's over. The guy that's accountable is dead. Get over it.
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