Every year April 16 brings back a range of emotions – terror, sadness, and worry…and hope, love, and support. In remembrance of the 32 Hokies we lost 7 years ago today, I thought I’d do something a little different. It involves pennies. 32 of them, to be exact.
I wanted to do something small today to pass on the love, support, and spirit of Virginia Tech. I went through a range of ideas, my favorite being 32 random acts of kindness, but I knew I wouldn’t have the time for that in a normal work day. Last night, it finally hit me. Pennies are good luck, right? I’ve always picked up the heads up ones. I turn over the tails up ones for someone else to find. They’re a small thing, but doesn’t it brighten your day when you find a lucky penny?
So that’s what I’ll be doing today – 32 pennies for 32 Hokies. I’ll be wearing orange and maroon all day, and I’ll be leaving heads up pennies in random places throughout my day for others to find. Look for them on my instagram, or at the hashtag or #32for32.
“Do not let the deaths of these 32 victims be in vain. Look into your hearts and see what it teaches you, and how you may be better because of what we have gone through. And know that when the bodies are in the earth, when the media has left, when others have moved on and life resumes its course, that for us, there is only one emotion left: Love. Love for this university, love for the people who died on April 16th, 2007, and love for those who are left behind.” ~William Neal Stewart, ’87 (via TechSideline.com)
17 Responses
Jess, this is such a wonderful way to remember and honor those who were lost on that day. Such a simple act that has great meaning.
Thank you! I really wanted something simple yet meaningful. I had fun with it today!
Wearing my orange and maroon to work today as well – I love the 32 pennies Idea! Living each day for the 32 – so proud to be a part of the Hokie nation.
I wore my Hokie bird earrings too! I love being a Hokie.
I love this idea! It’d be really awesome if more people did that today—can you imagine how cool it’d be to find heads up pennies everywhere, especially to show your support? Very cool.
That would be pretty awesome – maybe next year I can get more people involved!
An incredibly cool way to remember the 32. Hard to believe it’s been 7 whole years!
Thank you!
What a great idea! Love from a fellow Hokie <3
Love to you back! Hope today wasn’t too rough on you.
Love this idea! It’s hard to believe that it’s been 7 years. I still remember that day like it was yesterday – we were driving back from Nashville and went right through that area on our trip while listening to news conferences on the radio. Such a weird feeling – especially with how many friends I had at that school. It’s awesome that you’re still keeping their memory alive.
I also love that you turn tails up pennies over for others. I need to remember that next time I see one!
I think it’s one of those things from our generation, especially if you’re from Virginia, that you remember EXACTLY where you were. I know I’ll never forget.
And yes, I’ve always turned over pennies! I like to think I’m passing on the karma of good luck!
Wow. How special. This is such a great idea to keep someones memory alive too. Love that you did this.Thanks for sharing.
Hokie love and LIEP 🙂
I think this is a simple yet meaningful way to honor those who were lost. Great idea!
What an incredible way to remember such a sad day! 🙁