[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 5] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 6262] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRAGIC LOSS OF LIFE AT VIRGINIA TECH ______ HON. VIRGIL H. GOODE, JR. of virginia in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 16, 2008 Mr. GOODE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of the victims of the Virginia Tech shooting incident, which occurred one year ago today. On April 16, 2007, a great tragedy shocked and saddened the world, claiming the lives of 32 innocent members of the Virginia Tech community and injuring many others. I continue to pray for the families and friends of the victims as they cope with the pain this heartbreaking incident brought upon them. At the same time, I am moved and touched by how the world united over the past year to support the Virginia Tech community as it navigates the difficult recovery process. In the days that followed the tragedy, citizens across America and around the world watched as the Virginia Tech community pulled together to demonstrate the power of ``Hokie Spirit.'' The Nation also provided an outpouring of support, caring, and compassion for the students and families affected by this event. With the world's assistance, the Virginia Tech community exhibited its resilience, collective strength, and courage in the days, weeks, and months following the tragedy. Virginia Tech Professor Peggy Meszaros described this process by stating, ``The reverberations around our campus, and the community, and the state and the nation, if not the world, this Hokie spirit, this belief that we will support one another, that we will survive this tragedy that we will, if we can, even become stronger--that's been a real unifying theme in all of this.'' Moving forward, we should remember the victims for how they lived: as loving, caring scholars and citizens who wanted to make the world a better place. Today, the victims' families and friends carry on this legacy on behalf of those who lost their lives. For example, last year Virginia Tech created V.T.-Engage, a volunteer program for persons in the university community to perform public service in honor of the victims of the tragedy. The program volunteers have already completed more than 200,000 hours of service this year, paying tribute to the memory of those lives lost. I ask Congress to honor and remember the victims of this tragedy and continue to show support for those affected by it. May God continue to bless the families and friends who lost loved ones and the entire Virginia Tech community on this day of solemn remembrance. ____________________