Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Virginia Tech Shooting Victims

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has ordered all flags in the Commonwealth to be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, marking the 18th anniversary of the tragic Virginia Tech mass shooting on April 16, 2007, where 32 individuals lost their lives.

The order from Youngkin states, “In accordance with the authority vested in me as Governor, I hereby order that the flags of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia be flown at half-staff on all state and local buildings and grounds in memory and respect of the victims.” The flags will be lowered at sunrise and will remain at half-staff until sunset.

On the Virginia Tech campus, a series of memorial events will take place to honor the victims. A ceremonial candle will be lit at midnight, and the names of the 32 individuals will be read. Cadets from the university’s Corps of Cadets will stand guard as the candle burns for 24 hours to symbolize their commitment to remembrance.

At 9:43 a.m., a wreath-laying ceremony and a moment of silence will occur at the memorial site dedicated to the 32 victims. Additionally, at 11:27 p.m., those same cadets will stand guard for 32 minutes, one for each life lost in this devastating event. The ceremony will come to a close when the ceremonial candle is extinguished at midnight, marking the end of the remembrance.

The victims of this mass shooting ranged from ages 18 to 76, making it one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history. The Commonwealth and Virginia Tech community continue to honor and remember those who lost their lives, as well as the 17 others who were injured during this tragic event.

As we approach this solemn day, Virginia Tech remains steadfast in its efforts to keep the memory of its lost students alive, demonstrating resilience and unity within the community.