• Ongoing coverage: Virginia Tech - one year later 

Virginia Tech is planning a Day of Remembrance on Wednesday to honor the 32 students and faculty killed a year ago.

Tech officials say the ceremonies will be simple, solemn and respectful. Classes have been canceled for the day. The events are open to the public, but parking will be limited and traffic will be banned from the road encircling the Drillfield where the two main events will be held, rain or shine.

A University Commemoration will begin on the Drillfield at 10:30 a.m. The names of the 32 students and faculty who lost their lives, and a few words about the special qualities of each, will be read aloud. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine will give concluding remarks.

At dusk, about 7:45 p.m., a candlelight vigil will be held on the Drillfield similar to the vigil held the night after the shootings. The flame from a large candle will light 32 candles that will be carried to disperse the flame throughout the crowd.

A room in the Squires Student Center on campus will be open all day for meditation. Other activities include art exhibits, poetry readings, dance and worship services.

Many other activities marking April 16 will be held across the country.

In Richmond, the University of Richmond will hold a vigil at 12:30 p.m. in Cannon Memorial Chapel. Other schools will offer a moment of silence.

While some are in prayer, others will "lie-in" to urge Congress to close a loophole allowing some gun sales at gun shows without background checks. Groups in more than 80 cities across the country will participate, including Richmond and Blacksburg. The local protest will take place at Ninth and Bank streets at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Thirty-two people dressed in black with burgundy and orange ribbons -- Virginia Tech's colors -- around their necks will lie down for three minutes of silence.

Here is list of selected events. For addition information, check Tech's Day of Remembrance Web site at www.remembrance.vt.edu.

Va. Tech and Blacksburg

7 a.m.-midnight: Meditation in the Jamestown Room, Squires Student Center on College Avenue.

7 a.m.-5 p.m.: Open Sanctuary at Blacksburg Baptist Church, 550 North Main St. Counselors will be on hand.

8 a.m.-8 p.m.: Alumni Center art exhibit, Alumni Center Museum in the Holtzman Alumni Center. A display of art, crafts, quilts and other memorabilia contributed since April 16.

10 a.m.-10 p.m.: Art exhibit, "April 16: Remembrance, Recognition and Healing," in the Perspectives Gallery, Squires Student Center.

10:30 a.m.-noon: University Commemoration on the Drillfield. Tech President Charles W. Steger will open the event.

Noon-3 p.m.: Group singing/dance in the Commonwealth Ballroom, Squires Student Center.

Noon-5 p.m.: Remembering Through Art Creation, Old Dominion Ballroom.

Noon-8 p.m.: Reflection and music at the War Memorial Chapel, Drillfield Drive.

1-3 p.m.: Memorial Planting: Hahn Horticulture Gardens Meadow Garden at Peggy Lee Hahn Garden Pavilion, West Patio. Tools and instruction provided.

1-4 p.m.: Chess for Fun in the Brush Mountain Room of the Squires Student Center. All skill levels.

1-4 p.m.: Share poetry, songs or writings at Deet's Place coffee shop, lower level of Dietrick Dining Center.

2 p.m.: Tree Dedication in memory of Austin Cloyd and Maxine Turner. Front lawn of Hillcrest Hall. 3 p.m.: Virginia Tech Softball vs. Liberty at Tech Softball Park. A pre-game remembrance will occur before the first pitch.

3-5 p.m.: Dance performance by the Contemporary Dance Ensemble at Haymarket Theatre, Squires Student Center.

6:15 p.m.: Worship at Blacksburg Baptist Church. At the close of the service, walk as a group to the Candlelight Vigil on the Drillfield.

7:45 p.m.: Candlelight vigil, Drillfield.

April 11-13

4:30-6:30 p.m. -- Workshop, "Fortitude and Strength: A Community Embracing Authentic Emotions," Squires Student Center, Room 341. Coordinated by students, this workshop provides a safe, nonjudgmental environment where the community can come together to honor emotions and bring healing to those affected by the tragedy.

April 13

3 p.m.: "Community Conversations Through the Arts," Lyric Theatre, 135 College Ave. A multidisciplinary arts event, including a visual arts display, music, dance, film, the spoken word and theater.

April 15

8-10 p.m.: vtONE April Gathering at the Squires Commonwealth Ballroom. An informal event. Bring a blanket and sit on the floor. Worship, pray, and proclaim God's power through tragedy.

7:30 p.m.: Memorial Service, Blacksburg Jewish Community Center. Rabbi Zahara Davidowitz-Farkas will lead the service, which will be marked by candle-lighting in memory of those lost, readings, the Kaddish prayer, and a concluding "walk around the block," the traditional way in Judaism to symbolize the end of a year of mourning and reflection.

Other events on April 16

Richmond

University of Richmond: Vigil of remembrance, 12:30 p.m. in Cannon Memorial Chapel.

Virginia Commonwealth University: A moment of silence is planned.

Churches: Many churches in Richmond, Tidewater and beyond are planning memorial services. Check with your local parish.

In Virginia

Charlottesville: The University of Virginia will hold a vigil at the Amphitheatre, 5:30 p.m.

Norfolk: The 155-acre Norfolk Botanical Garden remembers Virginia Tech with free admission to guests wearing Hokie colors; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Williamsburg: The College of William and Mary will hold a vigil in the evening. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., an honor guard will stand watch over a commemorative wreath in the Sunken Garden. In the morning, the chapel bell will ring once for each victim.

Roanoke: The city will honor the individuals who lost their lives by turning off the lights on the Mill Mountain Star. The 88-foot-tall star has 2,000 feet of neon tubes. The last time it was turned off was after the Sept 11 terrorist attacks. Cards received last year from regional elementary schools will be on display at the Virginia Tech Roanoke Center from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Falls Church: The National Capital Region Virginia Tech Alumni Association will hold a tribute blood drive, 2 to 8 p.m., Virginia Tech Northern Virginia Campus, 7054 Haycock Road, Falls Church.

Throughout the nation

DeKalb, Ill.: Northern Illinois University, which suffered its own tragedy when a gunman shot and killed five students in February, will hold a candlelight vigil at 6:45 p.m. in the Martin Luther King Memorial Commons. Inspirational music, speakers, moment of silence.

St. Louis: 6 p.m. at Busch Stadium. The St. Louis Cardinals will hold a Virginia Tech Day with an on-field ceremony. Two sections will be designated for Virginia Tech alumni, friends and supporters.