Governor Perdue Urges Bell Ringing Across Georgia to Honor Victims of Virginia Tech Shooting

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue urged Georgians to ring bells across the state at noon eastern daylight savings time on Friday, April 20, 2007 in memory of the victims of the Virginia Tech tragedy.

Governor Perdue received a letter from Virginia Governor Tim Kaine yesterday, informing him that Friday, April 20 would be an official Day of Mourning in Virginia. In the letter sent to all governors, Governor Kaine asked that every state participate in the occasion by ringing a bell at noon. Governor Kaine encouraged all states to stand with Virginia to honor the victims of the tragedy and to thank the public safety, medical and education professionals who performed their missions bravely.

"The tragedy at Virginia Tech has touched all of us," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "We will continue to pray for the family and friends of the victims, including the two Georgians who lost their lives. I encourage all Georgia churches, schools and other facilities to show their support of Virginia Tech by ringing a bell at noon tomorrow."

Governor Perdue will participate in a bell ringing ceremony Friday at noon in the North Wing of the State Capitol, held in conjunction with a Holocaust remembrance event sponsored by the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust.