A moment of silence

After Monday's terrible mass murder that took place at Virgina Tech, I think we need to take a moment and pray.

Since Columbine there have been multiple school shootings but none of this magnitude. This is now the largest mass murder in US history. I was shocked after I heard the news on Monday night and after watching the non-stop coverage last night on multiple news channels, I feel compelled to write something.

In times of crisis America always seems to rally behind those affected by the tragedy. Sporting events have always been used as a form of entertainment but, in times of pain and suffering they seem to transfer into an escape. After September 11, we became very united as a nation. Sports played a starring role in the unification process. In 2001 it seemed the country was cheering for every northeast team regardless of the sport.

The Yankees played in the fall classic that year and even me, a full out "Yankee hater", was whole-heartedly pulling for the pinstripes. I cheered for the Giants, Jets, Knicks and of course the Patriots, who became America's team on their improbable run to the Super Bowl.

I feel deeply saddened by this event and I am sure that the Hokies will be a very well supported team next season. I for one will be pulling for them 100 percent. The last interview I saw last night was of a Virgina Tech student and the reporter asked her what a Hokie was, she simply responded "I am a Hokie." I think we all have a little Hokie in us now too.

Go Hokies!
DeLa