Virginia Tech will honor the community of survivors of April 16, 2007.

A ceremony will be held April 15, 2010, at 4 p.m. dedicating two sitting benches — one located on each side of the April 16 Memorial in front of Burruss Hall. Charles W. Steger, president of Virginia Tech; Mark McNamee, senior vice president and provost; and representatives of the community of survivors will offer remarks and officially dedicate the benches.

The ceremony is open to the public and will be immediately followed by a reception on the Drillfield with musical selections played by the University Student Brass Quartet.

The benches, which will serve as a location for personal reflection and remembrance, honor the survivors of April 16, 2007, and the resilience of the Virginia Tech community.

In the event of inclement weather, the dedication will take place in the Commonwealth Ballroom, Squires Student Center.

About the memorial benches

The bench seats are 52 inches wide, 18 inches tall, and 8 inches thick. They are made out of a special concrete mixture that simulates Virginia Tech's native limestone, Hokie Stone, and each bench weighs approximately 900 lbs. The benches are inscribed, "In Honor of the Survivors – April 16, 2007."

Due to planned events and a large number of anticipated attendees, on-campus traffic and parking will be affected beginning April 14. Details about traffic, parking, and transit information can be found online or by calling (540) 231-3200.

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