CEREMONY VIDEO: Victims remembered on drillfield

“We remain deeply and profoundly saddened by the events of that tragic day,“ Virginia Tech President Charles Steger told the crowd. “Indeed, all our lives were changed on that day.“

Mourners stood with heads bowed, some wiping away tears. Others locked arms as the accomplishments of each of the 32 echoed across the Drillfield: Austin Cloyd had an iron will. Caitlin Hammaren loved playing the violin. Emily Hilscher was an enthusiastic cook. Jarrett Lane was a friend to all he met. Liviu Librescu embodied profound courage.

“The world was cheated - cheated out of the accomplishments that were sure to come from these extraordinary lives,“ Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said.

A moment of silence was observed for the victims followed by a tolling of bells. One grieving young woman fell to the ground and paramedics hurried to tend to her, helping her off the field as she sobbed.

Click to read what was said about the 32 lives lost