Every April, thousands of Hokie flock back to Blacksburg. While it brings about a joyous atmosphere being back with so many loved ones and strolling down memory lane, this time of year brings with it a somber air of remembrance as well.
In the coming week, Virginia Tech will hold its annual Day of Remembrance, which honors the 32 students and faculty whose lives were tragically taken in a shooting on April 16th, 2007. Although many of today’s students were very young when this tragedy occurred, the respect and understanding of the importance of this Day of Remembrance ripples throughout campus, and especially throughout the band. In this article, two Marching Virginians alumni, Beau Wong (Net ’21) and Katie Hale (Net ’17 and ’18), talk about coming back to Blacksburg for the remembrance events and what remembrance means to them.
In what ways do you honor the lives lost on April 16th, 2007?
“I participate in the 3.2 run virtually or in person!” – Beau Wong
“[I participate] in the remembrance run in honor of Emily Jane Hilscher. Emily was from the small community of Rappahannock County, which is also where I grew up. I run in her memory and in support of all those whose lives she touched with her positivity.” – Katie Hale
Katie Hale runs in remembrance with a big smile on her face! Credit Katie Hale
What is the most meaningful part of the remembrance activities for you?
“I attended the candlelight vigil a few times, and every time it is so moving. The shared moment of respect and the emotions it brings are so powerful.” – Beau Wong
“The moment of silence prior to the start of the remembrance run. Campus is typically abuzz with energy and sound, but in that moment, time seems to stop and everyone remains completely silent and still as we reflect on those who lost their lives.” – Katie Hale
Why do you choose to return to Blacksburg for the Day of Remembrance?
“For this time specifically, I plan on moving away from Virginia sometime in the near future, so it’ll be a lot harder for me to come back. Usually though, it’s to go and visit with people I care about.” – Beau Wong
“The Roanoke Hokies alumni group does their own version of the 3.2 for 32 in downtown Roanoke, but I prefer to be in Blacksburg. Being able to run through campus, where the tragedy took place and past the April 16th memorial adds an additional level of meaning to the event. There’s a positive aspect to the morning in which we choose to come together and celebrate our ability to be resilient despite what has been endured.” – Katie Hale
Beau smiles for the camera with the Hokie Bird in his early days as an MV net. Credit: Beau Wong
Have The Marching Virginians played a role in how you choose to honor the 32 lives lost? If so, how?
“With the Stack Hokie Bird sitting at the entrance of the MVC field, I’d say being in the MVs has had a profound impact on how I honor the lives lost that day. Just passing that bird makes me want to exemplify the qualities of a Hokie. I can’t speak for the victims, but I’d like to think that’s what they would have wanted.” – Beau Wong
“Absolutely- the old version of the MV uniform had a patch sewn inside that was in honor of Ryan “Stack” Clark, so each time I put on the uniform, I thought about him and the stories of his love of service and helping others, and I wanted to represent that fully. Though I’ve graduated now and don’t put on that MV uniform with that reminder inside anymore, I still think about Ryan’s spirit today as I find ways to serve my students and school, my community, and my friends and family.” – Katie Hale
Whether you’re joining the thousands of other Hokies who are returning to Blacksburg this weekend or remembering with us from afar, I hope you get the chance to reflect on how joyous it is to be a Hokie. This community of Hokies and of Marching Virginians is filled with resilience, love, and support, and as we gather together over the next few days, I hope you’re filled with the Hokie spirit. Home is where the people you love are, and no matter how far you are from Virginia Tech now or how many years it’s been since you’ve stepped foot in Blacksburg, just know that you’re always welcome back Home. Welcome Home Hokies<3