President offers condolences at Virginia Tech memorial service

BLACKSBURG, Va. — Representing America's anguish, President Bush told Virginia Tech students and teachers at a somber convocation Tuesday that the nation is praying for them and "there's a power in these prayers."

"Laura and I have come to Blacksburg today with hearts full of sorrow," he said in six-minute remarks at a convocation on the campus where 33 people, including the suspected gunman, died in two separate shootings the day before. "This is a day of mourning for the Virginia Tech community and it is a day of sadness for our entire nation."

Before flying to the tragedy-stricken university in southwestern Virginia, Bush also ordered flags flown at half staff and issued a written proclamation in honor of those killed and wounded.

Speaking to a somber basketball arena, packed with students and others, many wearing orange short-sleeved Virginia Tech T-shirts, the president quoted a recent student blogging about the killings to encourage those who grieve to reach out for help.

"To all of you who are OK, I'm happy for that," Bush said, quoting the Internet posting. "For those of you who are in pain or who have lost someone close to you, I'm sure you can call on any one of us and have help anytime you need it."

He urged those angered by the killings not to be overcome by evil.

"People who have never met you are praying for you," Bush said. "They're praying for your friends who have fallen and who are injured. There's a power in these prayers, a real power. In times like this, we can find comfort in the grace and guidance of a loving God."

Before the service, Bush received a briefing on the shootings and their investigation from Virginia Tech President Charles Steger.

Bush spoke on a day of raw emotion. He spoke to students who he said had just lived through the worst day of their lives.

"On this terrible day of mourning, it's hard to imagine a time will come when life at Virginia Tech will return to normal, but such a day will come," Bush said. "And when it does, you will always remember the friends and teachers who were lost yesterday, and the time you shared with them, and the lives that they hoped to lead."

Meanwhile, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has sent 12 agents to Virginia Tech and the FBI has contributed some 15 agents as well for the investigation. The federal help, including input from the U.S. Attorney's office in the Western District of Virginia, is being coordinated at a command center set up on the campus.