Gov. Ritter Letter to Virginia Gov. Kaine

Letter

GOV. RITTER LETTER TO VIRGINIA GOV. KAINE

Gov. Bill Ritter today ordered Colorado state flags lowered to half-staff to honor those slain in yesterday's shootings at Virginia Tech. The flags will fly at half-staff until sunset Sunday, in keeping with the president's order for federal facilities.

On behalf of the people of Colorado, Gov. Ritter also has phoned and sent Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine a letter conveying his heartfelt condolences to the families of the shooting victims and to all Virginians.

Ritter offered to provide guidance and assistance to Virginia over the coming days, weeks and months, noting that Colorado has learned valuable lessons since the shootings at Columbine High School, which occurred eight years ago this Friday.

"This is a national tragedy and we all are grieving," Gov. Ritter said. "Colorado knows all too well the indescribable sorrow being felt in Virginia. It's my hope that we can share lessons learned from the Columbine tragedy with our fellow citizens in Virginia.

"With the eighth anniversary of the Columbine shootings approaching this Friday, we also must be mindful of taking care of ourselves here in Colorado," the governor said.

Here is the text of Gov. Ritter's letter to Gov. Kaine:

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine

Patrick Henry Building, 3rd Floor
1111 East Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219

Dear Governor Kaine,

On behalf of the people of Colorado, please accept my deepest sympathies for the unspeakable sorrow you and every Virginian are now experiencing. You all are in my thoughts and prayers in this time of great pain and despair.

Colorado still struggles beneath the weight of the Columbine High School shootings. I extend to you and to the Commonwealth of Virginia the benefit of our experiences and lessons learned. As a member of the Columbine Review Task Force, I believe we in Colorado can provide you with guidance and advice in the days ahead. I believe we had particular experiences in dealing with the witness and victim family members that may inform you as you go forward. Please do not hesitate to call on me for assistance.

God bless you, and God bless Virginia.

Sincerely,

Bill Ritter, Jr.
Colorado Governor

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