Press Release- April 19, 2007
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2007
Contact:
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370
GOV. RITTER ENCOURAGES COLORADANS TO OBSERVE MOMENT OF REMEMBRANCE FOR VIRGINIA VICTIMS ON FRIDAY
Gov. Bill Ritter today encouraged places of worship and other facilities across Colorado to toll their bells or chimes at 10 a.m. Colorado time on Friday in remembrance of the 32 innocent people killed at Virginia Tech earlier this week.
Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine has invited governors across the country to join his commonwealth for a nationwide bell-ringing and moment of silence.
Gov. Ritter will make brief remarks just before 10 a.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, in Mary's Garden on the east side of the cathedral, 1530 Logan St., Denver.
First Lady Jeannie Ritter will attend a bell-ringing ceremony at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 300 W. Mountain Ave., Fort Collins.
"Eight years ago, we experienced a terrible tragedy at Columbine High School," Gov. Ritter said. "The people of Colorado will stand in solemn silence on the anniversary of that dreadful day with the people of Virginia as they grieve.
"I spoke with Gov. Kaine earlier today and told him we will support him and all Virginians in any way possible. We will do everything we can to share advice, expertise, guidance and comfort."
Gov. Ritter has ordered that the Colorado flag fly at half-staff at state facilities until 5 p.m. Sunday to honor the victims.