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Tuesday, 24 April 2007 16:37 |
By JIM GENARO
The mood was solemn and contemplative last Monday night as about 150 students and faculty members of UNC Asheville gathered in front of the schoolís library with candles in hand to commemorate the 32 people killed by gunman Seung-Hui Cho during a shooting rampage April 16 at Virginia Tech.
A string trio opened the ceremony, while, in the distance, the American and North Carolina flags flew at half mast above a small shrine dedicated to the victims.
ìWe have come to what we humans do best in times of trouble ó we come together,î Chancellor Anne Ponder told the assembly.
She urged those assembled to accept the tragedy as ìa reminder that
every single moment is precious. We must find some way to make sure
that each moment is worthwhile.î
This sentiment was echoed by counselor Maggi Saucier of UNCAís Counseling Center.
The tragic incident ìreminds everyone of their own mortality,î she
said. ìThis event is a tragedy that affects everyone in some way.î
She said that while life will resume for those touched by the killings, ìitís different ó a new ënormal.íî
Saucier noted that many people try to get over grief too quickly, something she urged the students not to do.
ìThe best you can do for yourselves and each other is allow each person to grieve in your own way,î she added.
After the brief comments and a moment of silence, Ponder invited those who wished to do so to stay and sit in contemplation.
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