Deb Reichmann, The Associated Press, April 17, 2007
WASHINGTON – Expressing the nation’s sorrow, President Bush ordered flags flown at half staff in honor of those killed in the nation’s deadliest shooting spree.
Bush also planned to travel Tuesday to speak at Virginia Tech, where 33 people were gunned down in two separate attacks. He and first lady Laura Bush will attend a campus convocation “as representatives of the entire nation,” said spokeswoman Dana Perino.
“They will be there as the national representatives on a day that is full of sorrow for every American,” she said. “He will remark about the amazing strength of the community, and I’m not just talking about the city limits of Blacksburg, but as you seen that’s there’s been an outpouring of support.”
Bush directed flags to remain in the lowered position through sunset Sunday, Perino said.
The president and the first lady hope to help the university begin healing following the tragedy. He will speak for roughly five minutes.
“They are going to be there to express the sympathies, the support and the prayers of the country,” Perino said Tuesday morning.
Bush plans to give three television interviews on campus before returning to the White House, Perino said.