80R16155 JGH-D

By: Harper-Brown H.C.R. No. 203

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Words cannot adequately express the shock and deep sorrow felt by the people of Texas and the entire nation at the news of the tragic events at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia; and

WHEREAS, On the morning of Monday, April 16, 2007, as the students and faculty of Virginia Tech began a new week of classes, a single disturbed individual carried out an incomprehensible act of senseless violence; and

WHEREAS, At two separate locations on the campus of Virginia Tech, students and teachers were attacked without warning; in the end, 32 innocent people were killed and some 30 more were wounded before the gunman took his own life; and

WHEREAS, Among those killed were gifted students whose tremendous promise was stolen from them, as well as faculty members of great distinction who had dedicated their lives to teaching others; and

WHEREAS, While this day will be remembered for the terrible events that unfolded, it will also long be remembered for the selfless acts of courage carried out by individual teachers and students, some of whom lost their lives in the effort to save others; and

WHEREAS, The thoughts and prayers of all Texans are with the people of Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, and beyond as they struggle to rebuild their lives without their loved ones, and perhaps they may find some small comfort in knowing that their grief is shared by the nation and the world; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 80th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby pay tribute to the students and teachers who were killed in the Virginia Tech tragedy and extend deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the victims, and to the entire Virginia Tech community; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That when the Texas House of Representatives and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of those who died.