Some poignant anecdotes on this day of mourning..

[Virginia Dare]

My community of Fairfax County Virginia has been hit so hard by this tragedy, it really feels like the day after 9/11 around here today. Just some personal anecdotes from this day,

Learning of the death of a friend of friend, and hearing from her the recounting of the parents' frantic phone calls trying to locate their daughter, finally the father got in the car and drove down there. He learned shortly after his arrival there that their beautiful child was dead. :cry: :cry:

Learning that two friends were taught by one of the deceased professors..:cry:

Going to my daughters' school today and seeing all of the orange and maroon and the Hokie gear, even the school buses have Virginia Tech ribbons on them. Seeing all of the Korean American students who were wearing the colors, this has hit their community so hard. :cry:

Talking to my friend who is a die-hard UVA Wahoo, saying that her entire family would be wearing maroon and orange today. :wow: :cry:

It's hard to describe what a close-knit group the Hokie community is. I didn't go there, but my husband and many friends and colleagues did, and I've always been amazed by their collective dedication to the school. There has always been something special about it. I think this will only serve to bring them even closer together.

[havocmom]

1. Place where my daughter works---> all are wearing some orange & maroon today

They are in Tucson. The community stretches a bit further than you know, Virginia Dare. A little further than you know.

:hug:

[bigscott]

2. I never met a Hokie

and have never been to Blacksburg. But I went to Purdue with Kevin Granata one of the professors killed in this senseless act - the Purdue University community lost 2 graduates; Professors GV Loganathan and Granata. :cry:

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. It is so sad

I hope that the faith of the families can give them some comfort. My prayers are with them.

[Stanchetalarooni]

4. All of Iraq shares your pain.

Our country exports so much violence to other countries that it seems novel when a bit of it splashes our way.
I am sorry for your loss.

[Virginia Dare]

5. I think the people of Iraq are too busy dealing with their own pain..

to have time to worry about ours, but you do get a slight inkling of the tragedies that they are dealing with when it hits your own.