In the wake of April 16, the Hokie Nation grew stronger. Virginia Tech's students, faculty, and staff grieved with and consoled each other--friends and strangers alike--from the Drillfield to Cassell Coliseum.
The following images capture but a fraction of the sorrow and support shared by members of the Virginia Tech community during the days following the tragedy.
Cadets volunteered to guard the Alumni Association wreath, first in the War Memorial Chapel and then at the cenotaph. According to Maj. Gen. Jerry Allen, commandant of cadets, there were so many volunteers that the tours of duty were reduced from one hour to 15 minutes.
THE ROANOKE TIMES, MATT GENTRY
In front of Burruss Hall, individual Hokie Stones served as memorials for each victim. Family, friends, and other members of the Virginia Tech community later added flowers, candles, notes, and other memorabilia.
THE ROANOKE TIMES, JOSH MELTZER
After the April 17 Convocation, President George W. Bush and Gov. Tim Kaine viewed the memorabilia on the Drillfield and signed this "VT" cutout.
A candlelight vigil was held on the Drillfield on the evening of April 17.
Although Virginia Tech's spring football game was canceled, alumni and supporters still traveled to campus that weekend, many of them attending the Friday night baseball game. As a result, an English Field-record crowd watched the Hokies play Miami after a moment of silence.
On April 23, exactly one week after the tragedy, balloons were released at the same time that the shootings in Norris Hall had begun.
