BLACKSBURG, Va. (WUSA) -- Monday was the first April 16th since the 2007 massacre that classes were held at Virginia Tech. Normalcy, on a date remembered for its unimaginable horror five years ago.
Instead of cursing the darkness, they shined a light. That's what Governor Bob McDonnell told the massive crowd of students who lit up the darkness one candle at a time.
Five years ago today, a deranged student killed 27 students and 5 teachers and injured 16 anothers. Though most of the current students were not here then, they came by the thousands to pay tribute to the victims and learn about the horrific tragedy from those who lived through it..
FormerSGA president Sumeet Bagai said Virginia Tech refuses to be defined by the horrific events of that day. The governor, whose daughter will graduate from Tech next month talked about the school's resiliency and resolve.
After hearing a short life story of each victim, students were moved. Several spoke of living for those who died... "live for 32," they said.