US President George W Bush has remembered the victims of last Monday's tragic shooting at Virginia Tech University in a proclamation released ahead of the US National Day of Prayer 2007 on 3 May.

In his proclamation, President Bush said: "Following the tragedy at Virginia Tech, in towns all across America, in houses of worship from every faith, Americans have joined together to pray for the lives that were lost and for their families, friends, and loved ones.

"We hold the victims in our hearts and pray for those who suffer and grieve. There is a power in these prayers, and we can find comfort in the grace and guidance of a loving God."

Memorial services were held across the US on Friday as part of a national day of mourning for the 32 victims of Monday's massacre.

On the same day, the family of the 23-year-old gunman, Cho Seung-Hui, issued an apology for his actions.

"We feel hopeless, helpless and lost," read the statement. "He has made the world weep. We are living a nightmare.

"No words can express our sadness that 32 innocent people lost their lives this week in such a terrible, senseless tragedy. We are heartbroken"

President Bush endorsed the approaching day of prayer and acknowledged the place of prayer in the health of the nation, saying, "A prayerful spirit has always been an important part of our national character, and it is a force that has guided the American people, given us strength, and sustained us in moments of joy and in times of challenge."