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Wednesday, April 18, 2007
'We are family'
People continued to flock to Virginia Tech's Drill Field today to write messages on makeshift memorials -- large boards set up on either side of 32 stones, one for each victim -- arranged in a semi-circle.

Students and visitors walked slowly along the boards, many of them crying as they read the messages.

Some of the messages:
-- "Reema - this is so hard to take in. You choreographed part of our last bellydance. I'm so glad I hugged you at our last practice ....
Always, Kristina"

-- "Dr. Loganathan- I regret not telling you that you were the best teacher I have ever had. You were an inspiration. Your student, Shannon"

-- "Always remember the 4/16 32. -Billy"

-- "Concord University sents (sic) its blessings and prayers to all"

-- "We weren't friends but we were family. I didn't know you but we are family. We love you all because we are a family. We are Virginia Tech. We are family."

-- "Proud to have called you a friend, Stack. Love always, WAJ"

--By Brianna Keilar, CNN Correspondent
Posted By CNN: 11:13 PM ET
  6 Comments
My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, students and all who have been touched by this tragedy.
As each person who has reached out has proven no cloud can overshadow the strength and love the community has shown each other. God Bless.

Tracy-Marie, Canada
Posted By Anonymous Tracy-Marie Anderson, N.S. Canada : 12:14 AM ET
Let's hope we can always remember that we really are one family. One very large human connection. There are no thems and us, no strangers with nothing in common. Wouldn't it be great if everyone were onboard with that sentiment. I can hope.
Posted By Anonymous Lorie Ann, Buellton, Calif. : 12:24 AM ET
Hi Brianna,
Family units come in all shapes, sizes and colors. I always thought of my friends as the family I chose but sometimes we share an experience, an event, a tragedy and we are forever bonded as family.
I believe that is the case at Virginia Tech. Many of us are sharing feelings and emotions that make us embrace the people of Virginia Tech as our own family.
As I grow, I realize that I understand life less and less but I learn to love and appreciate it more and more.
God speed~
Posted By Anonymous Betty Ann, Nacogdoches,TX : 12:34 AM ET
"Remembering you is easy, we'll do it every day. But missing you is a heartache, that'll never go away. We hold you close within our heart, and there you will remain. To walk with us throughout life, until we meet again. God Bless and keep all you amazing angels safe."
Posted By Anonymous Julie, Niagara Falls, Canada : 1:54 AM ET
As a former graduate student at Virginia Tech, Monday's events have impacted me deeply.
The lives of the faculty and students lost were full of promise and potential. We must endeaver to carry the light of their lives into the world with us. We must not let them be forgotten.
I am proud to call them my colleagues and family. This event will forever shape us, but we must not let it define us.
We are the Hokies, we are family. We are proud to be Hokies.
I would like to conclude with an open appeal to all the media: PLEASE stop playing the clips of Cho. He was a coward, not a hero. He wrote the screenplay of his life, and set himself up as the main character and the hero. Every time you play the clips you are giving credance to him. Instead, please let us honor the real heroes--the students, the faculty, the staff and administration, the law enforcement and rescue personnel. We need to lift them up. They are the heroes of the day.
Rhonda Pruitt
Danville, VA
Former Graduate Student at Va Tech
Posted By Anonymous Rhonda Pruitt--Danville, VA : 9:17 AM ET
My heart and prayers go out to everyone affected by this tragedy. Please keep our faith in God and he will help you through this very sad time. I would like to know why the shooters parents have not came out and apologized to these families and friends of all the victims? PLEASE STAND ON FAITH!!! We love you all and feel your pain..
Posted By Anonymous Heidi Fort Benning GA : 10:54 AM ET
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