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Local Government & Politics

Here’s how you can remember the Virginia Beach mass shooting victims on the second anniversary

The Virginian-Pilot
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Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation has painted a forget-me-not flower on the side of Mount Trashmore in remembrance of the victims of the Virginia Beach shooting that took place May 31, 2019. Photo taken May 19, 2020.

Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation has painted a forget-me-not flower on the side of Mount Trashmore in remembrance of the victims of the Virginia Beach shooting that took place May 31, 2019. Photo taken May 19, 2020. (L. Todd Spencer/The Virginian-Pilot)

Virginia Beach — For the second year in a row, the coronavirus pandemic has forced Virginia Beach’s memorial ceremony for victims of the city’s 2019 mass shooting to be virtual.

The city will hold a virtual ceremony and several self-guided activities to honor the second anniversary of the mass shooting that occurred at the city’s municipal center.

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On May 31, 2019, a city engineer shot and killed 12 people, severely wounded four and struck a police officer in his ballistic vest.

“The events of May 31, 2019 have impacted everyone differently and because of that, individuals are at different points in their healing journey,” Virginia Beach City Manager Patrick Duhaney said in a statement. “Our goal is to continue to meet people where they are on that journey and provide options for them to remember those we lost.”

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The city has planned several activities throughout May to remember the lives of those who were forever impacted by tragedy.

Here is a listing of the events and reflection points across the city:

  • On May 31, the city will release a memorial ceremony video at www.loveforvb.com. The city plans to “encourage the community to pledge to serve or commit to acts of kindness in remembrance.”
  • Remembrance flags will be displayed at half-staff throughout the city on May 31.
  • On May 31, the city suggested enjoying a sunrise at the beach or elsewhere.
  • Last year, the city displayed blue ribbons on the windows of Building 2, the site of the mass shooting. That building is now being renovated and will become the new police headquarters. Due to the construction, a temporary memorial will be installed behind Building 15, located near the corner of Admiral Degrasse Way and Princess Anne Road.
  • A sand sculpture will be placed at 24th Street at the Oceanfront by May 26 and open for viewing through Memorial Day weekend.
  • The ‘Love for VB’ symbol will be painted at Mount Trashmore, on the the hill below the city seal. It is on schedule to be finished by mid-May, weather permitting. The public will be welcomed to write messages of hope or remembrance on a banner that will be located at the bottom of the hill.
  • On Friday, May 28, the city is asking the public and city employees to wear blue and to hold a moment of silence at 4:06 p.m., the time the first 911 call was received. The mass shooting was carried out on a Friday.

More information can be found at www.loveforvb.com.

Alissa Skelton, 757-995-9043, alissa.skelton@pilotonline.com

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