AUGUSTA(AP) – Gov. John Baldacci proclaimed today as a day of mourning in Maine for the victims of the Virginia Tech shootings.

As part of a national observance, Baldacci asked that bells around Maine ring at noon in honor of the victims of Monday’s killings.

Virginia Gov. Timothy Kaine declared today a statewide day of mourning in Virginia, and asked other governors to join the effort.

Baldacci said Maine “will stand with our friends from Virginia and with the Virginia Tech community.”

“This tragedy is national in scope, and on some level touches us all. The survivors of this shooting and the families of the victims will remain in our thoughts and prayers,” Baldacci said.

in a statement.

AP-ES-04-19-07 1307EDT