[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 60 (Wednesday, April 16, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E630]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRAGIC LOSS OF LIFE AT VIRGINIA TECH

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                       HON. VIRGIL H. GOODE, JR.

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 16, 2008

  Mr. GOODE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of the 
victims of the Virginia Tech shooting incident, which occurred one year 
ago today. On April 16, 2007, a great tragedy shocked and saddened the 
world, claiming the lives of 32 innocent members of the Virginia Tech 
community and injuring many others. I continue to pray for the families 
and friends of the victims as they cope with the pain this 
heartbreaking incident brought upon them. At the same time, I am moved 
and touched by how the world united over the past year to support the 
Virginia Tech community as it navigates the difficult recovery process.
  In the days that followed the tragedy, citizens across America and 
around the world watched as the Virginia Tech community pulled together 
to demonstrate the power of ``Hokie Spirit.'' The Nation also provided 
an outpouring of support, caring, and compassion for the students and 
families affected by this event. With the world's assistance, the 
Virginia Tech community exhibited its resilience, collective strength, 
and courage in the days, weeks, and months following the tragedy. 
Virginia Tech Professor Peggy Meszaros described this process by 
stating, ``The reverberations around our campus, and the community, and 
the state and the nation, if not the world, this Hokie spirit, this 
belief that we will support one another, that we will survive this 
tragedy that we will, if we can, even become stronger--that's been a 
real unifying theme in all of this.''
  Moving forward, we should remember the victims for how they lived: as 
loving, caring scholars and citizens who wanted to make the world a 
better place. Today, the victims' families and friends carry on this 
legacy on behalf of those who lost their lives. For example, last year 
Virginia Tech created V.T.-Engage, a volunteer program for persons in 
the university community to perform public service in honor of the 
victims of the tragedy. The program volunteers have already completed 
more than 200,000 hours of service this year, paying tribute to the 
memory of those lives lost.
  I ask Congress to honor and remember the victims of this tragedy and 
continue to show support for those affected by it. May God continue to 
bless the families and friends who lost loved ones and the entire 
Virginia Tech community on this day of solemn remembrance.




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