News > Virginia Tech Memorial in Second Life
April 18, 2007
In the aftermath of the tragic Virginia Tech shooting that occurred Monday, April 16th, a research assistant at the school has created a memorial for the victims. Ross Perkins has erected a memorial wall in the online video game Second Life, which contains a script that allows visitors to leave their comments. Perkins is known as "Milosun Czervik" in the game, and had this to say about his creation:
"The wall is just my contribution. The texture on it is ‘Hokie Stone,’ which is the stone that covers nearly all buildings on our campus. I heard that there was a candlelight vigil in one part of ‘SL’ earlier today, but I was with friends here [in Virginia] watching the ceremony and then just walking around outside… We are numb, really. As more names are released, it will get even harder as we learn about the wonderful people we lost."
Perkins admitted having doubts before going through with the project. He told MTV News, "I thought about doing a memorial yesterday, but I had mixed feelings about it. Wasn’t sure if I should — if it would be perceived as trite — and really, I didn’t feel like being in ‘SL’ much."
Quite understandable - and no, it isn't trite.
-Eddie R Inzauto
