BLACKSBURG, Va. (WFXR) — Virginia Tech announced its plans for its 2023 Day of Remembrance weekend to honor the students and faculty members who lost their lives in the mass shooting on April 16, 2007.

“Virginia Tech will forever honor these 32 lives and support their families and others affected by this tragedy,” said Associate Vice President Debbie Day. “It is also a time when we come together as a community and express our commitment and support for one another because so many Hokies were affected by this tragedy.”

The weekend events begin on Saturday, April 15. The university will host its annual 3.2-Mile Run in Remembrance at 9 a.m., rain or shine, on Alumni Mall near the Torgerson Hall bridge. The run will start with a moment of silence, and then participants will travel across campus into Lane Stadium and will end at the April 16 Memorial.

Virtual participation is also available and is encouraged in a way that is meaningful to the participant. People can share photos of their participation experiences on Instagram and Twitter using “#VT32Run.” Communication as well as encouragement will be shared through the Facebook event.

Preregistration for the run, while not required, is strongly encouraged. For more information, visit the Department of Recreational Sports website for registration and event information.

The weekend events will continue on the following Sunday, April 16, and there will be a few ceremonies to honor the fallen Hokies:

  • 12:01 a.m. — The lighting of the ceremonial candle will be held at the April 16 Memorial, which is located in front of Burruss Hall on Drillfield Drive. Representatives of the student body will light the candle, and the names of the 32 Hokies who lost their lives will be read. Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets members will stand to watch for 24 hours as the candle burns.
  • 9:43 a.m. — A wreath-laying ceremony and a moment of silence will be held at the April 16 Memorial. Virginia Tech Rescue Squad student members will carry wreaths to the memorial. Virginia Tech President Tim Sands and Laura Sands, as well as the Executive Vice President and Provost Cyril Clarke, will place them.
  • 11:59 p.m. — The Ceremonial candle will be extinguished and the light will be carried back into Burruss Hall, as a sign of the university’s commitment to never forget the tragic events.

Several other university events will be happening this weekend. Parking and transportation information will be available online with the latest details on road closures and information about the events.

For more information about the 2023 Day of Remembrance, visit the We Remember website.