Because of our shared obligation to do all we can to limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect the members of our extended community, particularly those who are most vulnerable, Virginia Tech will alter its 2020 Day of Remembrance events to promote social distancing and discourage large public gatherings.

On April 16, 2020, the Ceremonial Candle at the April 16 Memorial will burn for 24 hours, but there will not be a public ceremony at midnight and 11:59 p.m. as has been our tradition. Flowers and wreaths will be placed at the memorial and the Carillion Bells will be rung 32 times at 9:43 a.m. on that day. All other gatherings traditionally held on that day will not be held.

The 3.2-Mile Run in Remembrance will be offered as a virtual event this year. From April 16-18, Virginia Tech will host a virtual run during a three-day period to encourage proper distancing and adhere to state and local public health guidelines. Hokies can run, walk, or jog on their own and post a picture online using #VT32Run. Get more details.

University Libraries will launch the digital exhibit, Unknown Origins: Anonymous gifts in the April 16, 2007 Condolence Archives



Launching Monday, April 13, this digital exhibit will feature anonymous donations and gifts of unknown origin, paying homage to those who want to be part of the mourning and recovery process but do not necessarily want to be known. Among other items, the exhibit will include a poster of elementary school students along with their first names and their messages, but the school and its location are unknown. There will be photos of people wearing Virginia Tech gear from schools and businesses, but no names are known. We will also include a selection of intentionally anonymous letters, photos, posters, and poems.

This exhibit was made by Special Collections and University Archives and Virginia Tech University Libraries in partnership with Student Engagement and Campus Life.

The exhibit will launch on Monday, April 13, at https://tinyurl.com/April16Exhibit.

On the Day of Remembrance, members of our community are encouraged to pause and honor the 32 individuals who lost their lives on April 16, 2007, in a manner most meaningful to you.

Virginia Tech understands the disappointment these changes may bring, but we appreciate your understanding and support. To learn more visit our COVID-19 site.

We Remember.