Virginians Sticking Together
Eldest son sent me this cartoon, noting that normally there is great rivalry between these VA schools.
Our community has been shaken by this tragedy. I spotted a young woman in the grocery store this evening all decked out in VTech gear. Seung-Hui Cho, the killer, attended high school in Fairfax County, not too far from where I live. Fairfax County Schools sent out the following email earlier today:
We want to update you on the information on events that have transpired throughout the day relating to the incident at Virginia Tech.
We have confirmation that the alleged shooter, Seung-Hui Cho of Centreville, was a student at Virginia Tech and is a 2003 graduate of Westfield High School.
At this time, we have not received an official list of victims from the Virginia State Police and are unable to confirm any information about FCPS alumni who were killed or injured at Virginia Tech. We are expecting that an announcement about the victims will be made tomorrow, and we will pass along that information when it is made available.
The school system's crisis support team of trained psychologists and social workers is available to work with students and adults in our schools. Parents should feel free to contact their principal if they would like to request counseling services for their children.
We grieve along with the families and friends of the victims of this terrible tragedy, which has affected not only those affiliated with Virginia Tech but the entire state of Virginia and the nation.
Below is a partial list of community events that are planned in remembrance of the victims of the Virginia Tech incident.
* Tuesday, April 17, 8 p.m. -- Members of the Light Global Mission Church will hold a candlelight vigil at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. The gathering will be in the center aisle of the parking lot out in front of the Government Center. This event is open to the public.
* Wednesday, April 18 -- A vigil, hosted by the Board of Supervisors in conjunction with Faith Communities in Action, will be held in the forum of the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax.
* Virginia Tech Alumni -- The DC Chapter of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association lists a number of events at http://www.novahokie.org including:
- Friday, April 20, Hokie Hope: Orange and Maroon Effect -- Virginia Tech family members across the country have united to declare this Friday, April 20, an "Orange and Maroon Effect" day to honor those killed in the tragic events on campus Monday and to show support for VT students, faculty, administrators, staff, alumni, and friends. Everyone across the country is invited to be part of the Virginia Tech family this Friday and wear orange and maroon to support the families of those who were lost and support the school and community.
- Wednesday, April 18, 8 p.m. -- Great Falls chapter candlelight vigil at 8 p.m. at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 9220 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. All are welcome.
- Wednesday, April 18, 7:30 p.m. -- candlelight vigil on the Old Town Market Square at City Hall, 300 King Street, Alexandria.
Jack Dale
Superintendent, Fairfax County Public Schools
Our rabbi sent out a message that our temple will be lighting a candle in memory at minyan tomorrow evening.
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