As we approach Friday April 20th I would like to ask that everyone on the
list take time to observe the National Day of Mourning for the victims, families
 of victims, friends of victims and the community of Blacksburg, Virginia in
light of the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech. Please take a moment at 12 noon
 tomorrow to observe a moment of silence, say a prayer or engage in some form
of  meditation or reflection to honor the fallen students and faculty. I ask
this  being 30 miles from the campus and sharing a sense of loss with the
people of  that area and the citizens of Roanoke, Va. that lost a freshman student
on  Monday that was the salutatorian at one of our local high schools in last
year's  graduating class.  I was personally concerned for the safety of one
faculty  member and one engineering student that worked in and had classes in
the engineering building where 30 were murdered. Fortunately both were out of
the building when the shooting occurred. At this time we should think of
those  who are hurting and mourning the loss of family, friends and the loss of
what  was a place that would have represented a wonderful time of education and
transition to new opportunities in life. Now many can only think of this
senseless tragedy and will leave never to return and take only painful memories
with them. The students and faculty are resilient and will endure but need our
 emotional and spiritual support at this time. Keep them close in your
thoughts  and prayers in the days to come.

David Clarkson

************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.