Last year I had the incredible opportunity of getting to meet Ryan “Stack” Clark’s mom, Mrs. Letitie Clark. I interviewed her for our blog, and we talked about her sweet son, what he was like, and his love for the Marching Virginians. A year later, I still think about our interview and how we can remember and honor Ryan and his lasting impact on not only the Marching Virginians, but the Virginia Tech community.
MVs participate in remembering Ryan with each visit to the Sochinski-McKee Marching Virginians Center, where a Hokie Bird named Stack stands watch over our practice field. Many MVs take additional opportunities to remember stack, such as participating in the annual Run in Remembrance put on by the university. Some will participate in the event itself by running or walking, and others will play in a pep band to cheer on the participants.
This year’s event starts at 9:00 a.m. on April 12, commencing with a moment of silence to honor the 32 students and faculty who were lost on April 16, 2007. Those participating will include 3.2 miles for the 32 lost, and the route will loop around Virginia Tech. The loop will begin in front of War Memorial Hall, and it will pass landmarks such as The Grove, Lane Stadium, and the Virginia Tech Pylons, and will conclude at the April 16 Memorial, just in front of Burruss Hall.
Those who are unable to attend in person are able to participate virtually. These participants are encouraged to move in a meaningful way, and to share their experiences by posting photos online, with the hashtag #VT32Run on Instagram and X.
Each year, Virginia Tech has a variety of events that are dedicated to the remembrance of those who were lost on April 16, 2007. These include the readings of selected poetry, the Run in Remembrance, and a ceremonial candle lit at midnight on April 16, 2025. That evening, the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets will stand guard for exactly 32 minutes at the April 16 Memorial, starting at 11:27 p.m.
We remember the 32 victims not only today, but throughout the future of Virginia Tech. For more information, please see Virginia Tech’s “We Remember” at weremember.vt.edu.