Students and families, some from as far away as Stafford, VA convened on the town square, many wearing VA Tech's school colors, in an act of solidarity to show support and provide encouragement to the families and students who lives where changed forever.

Alexandria councilmen read aloud the names of the local students who were killed when a Virginia Tech student went on a rampage, killing thirty-two people, including himself.

The crowd paused for a moment of silence to remember the victims.

Alexandria Mayor, Bill Eulie, told DC Urban LifeStyle Magazine that "the fact that so many came out to the vigil shows that we (Alexandria) are a caring community who cares about its residents and the community as a whole.”

He pointed out the irony of the evening's event stating that just earlier in the day, in the same location, the community came together to remember the victims of the Holocaust.

Many say the vigil for the Virginia Tech students and faculty helped the healing to begin and fostered dialogue between other students and family members.

More vigils around the region are being planned in the coming days.

DC Urban LifeStyle Magazine spoke with a mother, whose daughter attends the university.  She stated that she was in shock to hear of the news when her friend telephoned her about it, and immediately called her daughter to see if she was alright.  Both mom and daughter attended the vigil, teary eyed at times, thankful for her daughter to be home, yet sympathetic of the families who will forever be affected by this tragic event.

A Virginia Tech sophomore attending the evening's vigil told DC Urban LifeStyle Magazine that she was preparing to get on the bus to be driven to her morning class when she heard about the shooting.  She is thankful she never made the bus trip to campus.