Virginia Tech’s annual Day of Remembrance events start Saturday

Prior to Tuesday, the 3.2-mile Run in Remembrance is set for 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 13. It’s an annual event that attracts thousands of walkers and runners to the Blacksburg campus, and it will begin – rain or shine – at 9 a.m. with a moment of silence, according to a university news release.

The run’s 3.2-mile course will begin in front of Patton Hall, near Burrus Hall, and end at the April 16 Memorial. Advance registration for this event is encouraged.

Virtual participation opportunities are available in addition to the in-person event. Virtual participants are encouraged to move in a way that is meaningful to them and to share photos using the hashtag #VT32Run on social media, according to the release.

Visit the university’s Department of Recreational Sports website for event information.

On Tuesday, April 16, the lighting of the ceremonial candle will be held at 12:01 a.m. at the April 16 Memorial on campus. The candle will be lit by representatives of the student body, and the names of the 32 Hokies lost on April 16, 2007, will be read. Members of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets will stand in watch for the 24 hours that the candle is lit.

At 9:43 a.m., a brief wreath-laying ceremony and moment of silence will be held at the April 16 Memorial. Student members of the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad will carry wreaths to the memorial, which will then be placed by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands and Laura Sands and Executive Vice President and Provost Cyril Clarke, according to the release.

At 11:59 p.m., the ceremonial candle will be extinguished and the light will be carried back into Burruss Hall, representing the university’s commitment to never forget.

Several other university events, including Spring Family Weekend, and the football Spring Game will be held over the April 13-14 weekend.