Observation #2

April 16th 2010.
Saturday 8:40am
This morning i completed the 3.2 Run in Remembrance that started at the Alumni Mall near the North Main Street entrance of campus and finished on the drillfield, where participants crossed the finish line between a big blue arch. Many people crowded the drillfield where water and fruits (oranges and bananas) were being handed out, as well as extra t-shirts from the run. People everywhere were either walking around, socializing, or sitting or laying down on the grass, as many were sweaty and exhausted from the run. Later that day at around 12:30, I walked to the community picnic that was held on the drillfield. It was sunny, but very windy. Music was playing, people were laughing, some were playing frisbee, while others just sat and absorbed the sun. Food was being distributed; pizza, wings, italian ice, while others brought their own food. There were people of all ages walking about; children, parents, elders, etc. and dogs also were seen throughout the drillfield as many of them were playing fetch with a ball or frisbee. Although many people filled the air with laughter, there was silence that surrounded the memorial where many people visited. Later that night at around 7:30pm, very many students, parents, children, members of the community, etc, joined together on the drillfield in front of the memorial for the 'University Commemoration & Candlelight Vigil'. It was amazing to see how many people gathered to remember and support our fallen hokies; as the sun fell, the commemoration began with remarks from Charles W. Steger and Brandon Carroll, which was then followed by the reading of the 32 names, and the lighting of their candle. Following the 32 names and lightings, the light was then passed throughout the drillfield from each person to another, until every persons candle was lit. I truly enjoyed attending the vigil because although it was sad, it was unbelievable to see how many people gathered around to support and remember the tragic day, despite whether they were here at the time of the crisis in 2007, or personally knew anyone. This experience truly made me feel like apart of something big, it made me enlightened to know how big the hokie nation truly is.