35W bridge vigil set for 8 p.m.

A somber observance will be part of this year's Homecoming festivities at the University of Minnesota.

Star Tribune

Last update: November 1, 2007 - 7:00 AM

A somber observance will be part of this year's Homecoming festivities at the University of Minnesota.

A candlelight vigil for those affected by the I-35W bridge collapse is scheduled for 8 p.m. today -- three months to the day after the tragedy -- at the Coffman Union front plaza.

"Because it occurred so close to the U, the recent I-35W bridge collapse affected many of the U's students, faculty and staff," said Collette Litzinger of the U's Student Unions and Activities.

The vigil, Litzinger added, will be "a commemoration ceremony to honor the victims and all those affected by this tragedy and pay tribute to those involved in the rescue and the care of the bridge survivors."

Participants are asked to gather at Coffman's front plaza for a brief commemoration. Then a candlelight procession will make its way to the center of the Washington Avenue Bridge over the Mississippi River for a moment of silence.

Homecoming week on campus began Monday and runs through Saturday. The Homecoming king and queen will be crowned during the first half of the Gophers-Illinois football game during a time out. This is the first time the coronation has taken place during the football game.

This year's theme is "Golden Oldies," a celebration of reviving past styles, fashion, music and entertainment.

PAUL WALSH

Recent Local + Metro stories

Robbery, arson defendant gets 26 years - November 1, 2007

Robbery, arson defendant gets 26 years - The judge, unmoved by Zachary Wiegand's remorse, sentenced him for the Wisconsin side of a 2-day crime spree. More