We Remember.
It was a phrase heard around the world one year ago today: April 16, 2007. A day filled with tears and tragedy - but after it was all over, it became a day that united Americans. For me, one year ago was a difficult time. I am a graduate of Westfield High School in Centreville, Va., and when I heard the news that college students were shot and killed on campus at Virginia Tech, I was in shock.
I watched the news after the first phone call I received from one of my best friends from home as she asked me if I had heard about the shootings. I immediately went through my phone book, and I called all of the numbers that had Virginia Tech written next to them.
My hand was glued to my phone as I talked to all of my friends from home. I turned on CNN, and from that point on I could not believe my eyes. The shooter was from my very own high school; Westfield was in the news for days to come. Two of my fellow alumni from WHS were among the students killed.
I helped friends who lost loved ones, and I still remember all of the pain my community went through. But family and friends united, and we got through it all together.
I am writing about this so we, as a united campus at the UF, will remember those amazing people who died on this day. We should can all take a moment out of our day, remember them and be thankful for the safety of our campus and the safety of our friends and family. I am so thankful for the help my friends gave my community.
Please remember and pray for the families and friends of the 32 people who were lost. Today is a day of remembrance, as announced by Virginia Tech's Web site. At 8:15 p.m., a candlelight vigil will be held at Virginia Tech, and I am asking that The Gator Nation remember them too.
We will never forget.
Jacquelyn Horstmann is a public relations junior.
