Virginia Tech will observe the 2025 Day of Remembrance to honor the students and faculty members who lost their lives on April 16, 2007.
On Saturday, April 12, the 3.2-Mile Run in Remembrance, an annual event that attracts thousands of walkers and runners, will begin — rain or shine — at 9 a.m. with a moment of silence, according to a university news release.
The run’s 3.2-mile course will begin in front of War Memorial Hall on Drillfield Drive and pass by the Grove, Lane Stadium, and the Virginia Tech Pylons, ending at the April 16 Memorial. Advance registration for this event is encouraged and a volunteer sign up is also available. Visit the school’s Department of Recreational Sports website for event information.
Virtual participation opportunities and in-person activities sponsored by alumni chapters are available as well. Virtual participants are encouraged to move in a way that is meaningful to them and to share photos using the hashtag #VT32Run on social media. A complete listing of Virginia Tech alumni chapter events can be found on online at vt.edu.
On Wednesday, April 16, the lighting of the ceremonial candle will be held at 12:01 a.m. at the memorial. The candle will be lit by representatives of the student body, and the names of the 32 Hokies lost as a result of the 2007 shootings will be read. Members of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets will stand in watch. The candle will remain lit for 24 hours.
At 9:43 a.m., a brief wreath-laying ceremony and moment of silence will be held at the memorial. Student members of the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad will carry wreaths to the memorial, which will then be placed by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands and Laura Sands.
At 11:27 p.m., members of the Corps of Cadets will stand in watch at the April 16 Memorial for 32 minutes.
At 11:59 p.m., the ceremonial candle will be extinguished and the light will be carried back into Burruss Hall, representing the university’s commitment to never forget.
Several other university events, including Spring Family Weekend, and the football spring game will be held over the April 12-13 weekend. Parking and transportation information is posted online to help those attending events that weekend.