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Virginia Beach Mass Shooting

Virginia Beach unveils plans to commemorate 4th anniversary of May 31 tragedy

The Virginian-Pilot
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Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation painted a forget-me-not flower on the side of Mount Trashmore in May 2020 in remembrance of the victims of the 2019 mass shooting at the municipal center. The city is planning a vigil and other events in memory of the victims as the fourth anniversary approaches.

Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation painted a forget-me-not flower on the side of Mount Trashmore in May 2020 in remembrance of the victims of the 2019 mass shooting at the municipal center. The city is planning a vigil and other events in memory of the victims as the fourth anniversary approaches. (L. Todd Spencer/The Virginian-Pilot)

As the fourth anniversary of the May 31 tragedy in Virginia Beach approaches, the city is planning a vigil and several events related to addressing mental health.

The candlelight vigil will be held in-person at 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, in front of City Hall. The names of the 12 victims will be read, with music provided by Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Speakers include representatives from local public safety and emergency services.

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The city will also hold a moment of silence that day at 4:06 p.m., which is when the first 911 call from the shooting at the municipal center came in. Everyone is encouraged to pause no matter where they are. The public is also invited to wear blue as a symbol of remembrance.

Other events commemorating the anniversary:

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  • Free fitness and FitLot classes — Because physical activity is a way to manage stress related to trauma, Virginia Beach Recreation Centers will hold free high-intensity exercise events at 6 p.m. on May 17 and May 31. The classes will include workout regimens such as Turbo Kick and Cardio HITT. FitLot classes are available Monday though Friday for all ages and abilities to help improve strength, cardio, balance and flexibility. Register by visiting the Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Fitness and Wellness website or call the Williams Farm Recreation Center at 757-385-2950.
  • Mindfulness and resiliency programming — The Virginia Beach Public Library’s branches will host events to help people of all ages relax. Those include Relax with Reptiles, Kitten Cuddles, a Tiny Art Show in which the public is invited to pick up a canvas from the library and submit a painting, and more. To participate, register on the Virginia Beach Public Library’s website or call 757-385-0150.
  • Mental health services — The Virginia Beach Department of Human Services will offer classes throughout the month of May. Topics include Mental Health First Aid, Community Wellness and a seminar on understanding anxiety. For more information, call 757-385-0803.

Flags will be flown at half-staff at all city buildings and properties from May 29 through sunset on May 31 in honor of Love for VB Day, which was the result of a proclamation issued by Mayor Bobby Dyer. May 31 is also recognized statewide as Virginia Beach Remembrance Day, which calls for flags to be lowered at all local, state and federal government buildings.

Flags featuring the Love for VB symbol will be flown at more than 40 locations in Virginia Beach. The forget-me-not flower, which is part of the symbol, will be painted at Mount Trashmore next to the city’s seal. City structures including Building 30, the Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, the Greenwich Road flyover and the Lesner Bridge will be lit in blue to honor the victims.

Gavin Stone, 757-712-4806, gavin.stone@virginiamedia.com

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