The one-year anniversary of the Virginia Beach mass shooting will arrive this weekend.
The city had planned to hold a memorial ceremony for all who were lost and impacted by the tragedy, but those plans were canceled. It is not safe to physically gather for the anniversary due to the coronavirus pandemic, officials said.
Instead, the city will host a virtual ceremony on www.loveforvb.com at 4:06 p.m. Sunday — the same time a dispatcher received the first 911 call one year ago.
The theme of this year’s remembrance is Lighting the Path: Together We Remember.
The event will honor the 12 victims who died, the four who were severely wounded and an officer who was shot but saved by his bulletproof vest.
To give employees more time to memorialize the anniversary, the city will close the four departments previously housed in Building 2 at 2 p.m. Friday. When it comes to Public Utilities, Public Works, Planning and Community Development and Information Technology, only mission-essential and mission-critical functions will continue under modified operations.
For those who would like to participate in remembrances at home, the city released several ways to show support:
On Friday, wear blue, which is the color of remembrance.
Add a themed frame to your Facebook profile. Search “Love For VB.”
The symbol of this year’s remembrance is a stylized Forget-Me-Not flower. There are 12 outer petals to represent the lives lost. The four inner petals represent those who were seriously injured. The blue dot in the middle is for the police officer who was shot. The gold outline represents the community that has come together in support and solidarity. The image has been painted on the hill at Mt. Trashmore Park, and can be seen from the interstate. The city has uploaded a coloring sheet of the flower to its website. All are encouraged to print it out, color it in and hang it in a window visible to those passing by. Consider posting a photo of it on social media.
Plant Forget-Me-Not flowers, which are perennials.
At 4:06 p.m. Friday, take a moment of silence.
On Sunday evening, leave a white or blue porch light on.
The VB Strong Center, which opened after the shooting to offer counseling to survivors, expects this weekend to be emotionally difficult for many who were impacted by the shooting. The center continues to offer free virtual services and programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Anyone who is struggling from the tragedy is encouraged to call the center for help at 757-507-7200.
Alissa Skelton, 757-222-5155, alissa.skelton@pilotonline.com.
