Virginia Tech Professor Gave His Life to Save Students
Often from tragedy a few stories emerge of amazing people that have risen above fear and self preservation and displayed amazing acts of heroism. Seventy-six-year-old engineering professor Liviu Librescu, a Holocaust survivor, was such a man and his sacrifice is nothing short of heroic.
With the gunman, 23-year-old Tech senior Seung-hui Cho, trying to force his way into his classroom, Professor Librescu held his body against the door and told his students to escape through the windows. All leapt to safety but, moments after the last student was safe, Cho apparently forced open the door and shot Librescu to death.
What Librescu did was one of the most conspicuous acts of heroism to surface thus far in the bloodiest massacre inflicted on an American campus by a lone gunman. At the cost of his life, Librescu exemplified heroism. Thanks to his selfless act, many students were saved.
It makes me proud to know that such men still exist. Story
Doug
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I join you in revering this remarkable man. What a testament to love and honor rising out of the horror of the Holocaust.
Of all the acts that happened at Virginia Tech on Monday, Professor Librescu's standing in the path of the shooter to save the life of his students is inspiring, but so sad. I don't really know what to say that others haven't yet said. May the memory of the righteous be a blessing for all of us.
A teacher and a hero. As the media focus right now on the killer of thirty-two students at Virginia Tech, may we remember Librescu.
This makes me cry--he did the unthinkable beautiful act. I read what an illustrious career he had--such a contribution to be mowed down senselessly. I wish him a peaceful journey.
My heart is full of gratitude for Mr. Librescu's compassion and selfless sacrifice. Words cannot express my feelings of saddness for the loss of his life and for his dear wife and sons. Mr. Librescu is my hero and my prayers are with his family.
We lost a great man to senseless act. Dr. Librescu will truly be missed by his students. He's a true hero, and I hope VT will recognize him for his great sacrifice.
Dr. Librescu was my Dynamics professor in 1992. For 15 years I've remembered him as a brilliant professor. Now I will always remember him as a great hero. Sympathy for his family, especially his son Joe who taught Survival Defense courses at Tech while I was there and carries on his father's legacy of bravery.
what a great man... making the ultimate sacrifice after such hardships of his life. bless his soul. perhaps the fulfillment of the reason he's here on earth.
A true hero, gentleman, kind and compassionate soul. I hope his family finds comfort in knowing he gave his life for his students. Dr. Librescu is with God now. May he rest in peace. What is also amazing about him is, because of this tragedy, how many lives he touched (including mine), who never had the privilege to know him. It was almost as if his mission in this life has been fulfilled. Bless his soul.