Remembering the fallen

Photo courtesy of Virginia Tech

Many people have been asking me for my professional opinion as a security consultant on what went wrong at Virginia Tech and how it could have been prevented.

I feel that at this time the victims and families should be in the forefront of our thoughts and minds. The families and friends who have suffered such a devastating loss should know that the community, the country and throughout the world, people of all walks and lives are offering their condolences.

In the Mannasas Journal Messenger (Thursday, April 19, 2007), Charles Reichly sums it up perfectly when he writes; "There will be a time to address the causes and responses to this tragedy, but not today, not while the bodies await burial. There will be a time to evaluate the response to the shootings, but not today, while the survivors lie in hospital beds. There will be a time to examine the motives of the murderer, but not today, while some families mourn and others sit in in prayerful vigil. I thank our Governor and President for reminding us that today is a time for unity of spirit".

Hopefully those who mourn and grieve at this sad time can take some comfort knowing that the authorities are closely examining the horrific events and that Governor Tim Kaine has already appointed a commission to investigate the crime.