Gov. McDonnell issues VT proclamation

RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) - Governor Bob McDonnell issued a proclamation Friday which officially recognizes April 16, 2012 as Virginia Tech Remembrance Day.

At 9:43 a.m. Monday there will be an official moment of silence in the Commonwealth, followed by the ringing of the Capitol Square Bell Tower once for each of the 32 lives lost in the April 16, 2007 tragedy on the Virginia Tech campus.

Gov. McDonnell will be in attendance at the Virginia Tech Commemoration and Candlelight Vigil Monday.

The Virginia Tech Remembrance Day Proclamation states:

WHEREAS,  on the morning of April 16, 2007, a tragedy of immense magnitude and senselessness befell the campus of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; and

WHEREAS,  the lives of 32 individuals from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University were hastily taken, leaving absences that will never be filled and a profound sense of sorrow in the lives of those impacted; and

WHEREAS,  the community continues to mourn those who perished, we also honor those individuals wounded as they individually and collectively strive to prevail through this tragedy; and

WHEREAS,  we recognize and thank local, state, and federal first responders who courageously answered the call of duty in an effort to prevent the further loss of life; and

WHEREAS,  the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia join with those from across the country and around the world in their thoughts and prayers to honor the cherished memories of those who lost their lives and those wounded; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize April 16, 2012, as VIRGINIA TECH REMEMBRANCE DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.