Friday, April 20, 2007
Governor Culver Signs Proclamation Declaring Day Of Mourning
Governor joined by Virginia Tech alumni at bell ringing ceremony
(DES MOINES) Today, Governor Chet Culver signed a proclamation declaring April 20, 2007 “Virginia Tech Remembrance Day.”
Governor Culver was joined at the 11:00 AM service by Kelly O’Connor, a Virginia Tech alum who is also
a native of Blacksburg, Virginia. Mrs. O’Connor, who now lives with her family in Coralville, joined Governor
Culver in ringing the Liberty Bell 32 times in honor of each of the victims of the shooting at Virginia Tech.
Prior to ringing the bell, Dave Schneider, the Governor’s Pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church in West Des Moines, gave a sermon honoring the Virginia Tech victims. The Governor then asked for a moment of silence to remember the victims.
The service ended with Ron Husted, from Newton, Iowa, playing “Amazing Grace” on his bagpipes.
Virginia Governor Tim Kaine declared Friday a statewide Day of Mourning in Virginia and sent a letter to other governors asking them to join in the effort.
In his letter, Governor Kaine wrote, “As this tragedy impacts not just Virginia, I encourage you to consider standing with Virginia. It is clear that difficult days lie ahead as we all embrace the grieving process that is sure to come. Again, I thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask that you keep Virginia Tech in your hearts and minds as we all work together to overcome this horrific tragedy.”
'Answering Governor Kaine’s request, Governor Culver, a 1988 graduate of Virginia Tech, held the service near the Liberty Bell at E. 12th Street.
Read the proclamation signed by Governor Culver.