Virginia Tech Officials Warn of Illegal Memorial Products, Fundraising (VIDEO)

On Monday, Virginia Tech observed a university-wide moment of silence, marked by the toll of one bell in front of Burruss Hall at 9:45 AM.

A release of 1,000 orange and maroon balloons signifying Hokie unity and spirit. Photo courtesy: Virginia Tech University

(BLACKSBURG, Va.) - This is one of those stories that is very difficult and upsetting.

We at Virginia Tech know everyone in the community, and throughout the world wants to express and display their feelings of respect and commitment to the victims of the Virginia Tech tragedy, their families, Virginia Tech students and the Blacksburg community.

There is unfortunately a problem with some of the "tools" we have available to us for this expression of grief.

The greater Virginia Tech University Community is advised that Virginia Tech has NOT authorized any apparel or products for sale.

Virginia Tech officials are requesting that you, please, do not purchase any unauthorized, or illegal memorial products that contain the Virginia Tech trademarks.

Virginia Tech does plan officially licensed memorial apparel and products in the very near future.

On Monday, Virginia Tech observed a university-wide moment of silence, marked by the toll of one bell in front of Burruss Hall at 9:45 AM.

At 9:46 AM, 32 bell tolls were sounded in memory of each victim, timed with the release of 32 white balloons from the Drillfield.

A release of 1,000 orange and maroon balloons signifying Hokie unity and spirit concluded the ceremony, which was organized by Hokies United and attended by thousands of students, faculty, staff, and other members of the university family.

School officials said the classes were about ¾ full Monday.

April 16th, 2007, will be remembered as one of the darkest days in the history of the Virginia Tech community and the world beyond.

To remember and honor the victims of those tragic events, the university has established the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund to aid in the healing process.

The fund will be used to cover expenses including but not limited to:

• Grief counseling
• Memorials
• Communication expenses
• Comfort expenses
• Incidental needs

In addition to the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund, you may also contribute to the Hokie Spirit Scholarship Fund to support students university-wide, or to specific funds in the name of each of the victims. These funds will be set up as we receive approval to do so from the families

If you would like to mail a check, make it out to "Virginia Tech Foundation Inc.," designate your gift for the "Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund" on the memo line, and send it to:
Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund
University Development (0336)
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061
By phone at (800) 533-1144.

To donate online visit: www.vt.edu/tragedy/memorial_fund.php

Watch the Memorial Video below:

Video