I've been attending these ever since I set foot on campus as a sophomore. I felt an obligation to go back then, but I don't anymore. Now, I go because I want to.

Last night, because of the rain and wind in Blacksburg, the ceremony was moved inside Burruss. I was somewhat disappointed in the turnout for the event. In years past, there have been thousands of students that have attended. Last night, it seemed like a few hundred.

I wish the university would promote this more. All students should attend this ceremony. It really brings all of it home for me. One of the reasons the Virginia Tech community is so strong is because of April 16. How we banded together and how we remember those who lost their lives is part of why I chose to come to Virginia Tech in the first place. For some my age, the 2007 tragedy scared people away. For me, how the community responded drew me in.

I hope all of you take a moment today, if you already haven't, to remember. We all have busy lives and some of us may not be able to make it to Blacksburg regularly, but it's important that no matter where we are, we take a moment out of our day to remember. NeVer forgeT.