[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 60 (Wednesday, April 16, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E637-E638]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             VIRGINIA TECH

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 16, 2008

  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, one year ago, the idyllic calm 
of campus life at Virginia Tech, and eveywhere in America, was 
shattered forever. We mark this somber occasion in solemn memory of 
those too soon taken from us, and in prayerful sympathy with their 
still-grieving families and friends. Part of our State's future was 
lost that day. Immeasurable potential abruptly and cruelly cut short. 
Remembering hurts, but forgetting would be unforgivable.
  It falls to us to make some sense of unthinkable tragedy and do our 
best, in their honor, to build the world they could only envision

[[Page E638]]

through bright, inquisitive eyes. At Virginia Tech, in Richmond, and 
throughout the Commonwealth, grief has given life to action, spurring 
positive steps to help and to heal. Campus security has been 
strengthened and sentinel systems to identify and confront potentially 
violent students have been made more sensitive, more vigilant. We do 
these things for them, and for the safety of the students who follow in 
their footsteps. And we work in their memory to mark our calendars from 
this day forward with memorials to youthful accomplishment and growth, 
not tragedy.

                          ____________________