2022 Events
2022 Remembrance Activities & Special Programming
Ceremonial Programming
Three-Year Remembrance Ceremony
Tuesday, May 31, 2022 • 7 p.m. • Mount Trashmore Park, 310 Edwin Drive
An in-person ceremony was held for the first time since the pandemic to allow the community to gather to remember those we lost, lift up survivors and all those affected and still healing.
Virginia State Flags
Virginia state flags were flown at half-staff on Tuesday, May 31st pursuant to the Governor's Proclamation.
Special Programming
The VB Strong Center, Virginia Beach Public Library, Virginia Beach Department of Human Services, and Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation offered free activities for all ages throughout May. A StoryWalk®, yoga classes, and virtual moments of reflection are just a sampling of the offerings this month.
Free Yoga Classes
Multiple Dates and Times • Virginia Beach Recreation Centers
Physical activity is beneficial to improving health and reducing symptoms related to trauma. Sign up for a free yoga class to focus on relaxation, improve body movement, relieve tension, reduce stress and anxiety, and engage in mindfulness as yoga can support individuals that have experienced trauma. Varying types of yoga will be offered.
Hosted by Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation and the VB Strong Center in partnership with Sentara Healthcare.
A Virtual Moment of Reflection
Friday, May 27 • 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Virtual 1-Hour Group Sessions
A key influencer to improving resiliency, increasing recovery, and working towards healing during a year mark is staying connected or reconnecting with others. Memorials and remembrances bring out triggers and emotions for many people. Reserve a spot and join the “virtual reflection hour” with a licensed therapist for immediate support to share thoughts and identify challenges during this time. Gain supportive insight and reconnect with peers in an open group setting.
Hosted by the VB Strong Center.
A Virtual Moment for Healing
Multiple Dates and Times • Virtual 25-Minute One-to-One Sessions
After a traumatic event and during a year mark, everyone’s experience is unique and different on their journey towards resiliency and healing. Although supportive group settings are helpful, individual sessions can be just as impactful for those not ready for the group experience. Connect “one-to-one” with a licensed clincial therapist to explore any triggers, emotions, thoughts and feelings pertaining to the three-year mark of 5/31/19. These sessions are private and confidential.
Hosted by the VB Strong Center
VBPL Mindfulness & Resiliency Programming for All Ages
Multiple Dates and Times • Virginia Beach Public Library Branches & Virtually
Programs curated to focus on mindfulness, recovery and resiliency.
» StoryWalk® featuring I Promise by Lebron James
» Anti-Meltdown Monday (Teens)
» Tiny Art Tuesday (Teens)
» Unwind Wednesday (Teens)
» Mindfulness Storytime
» Preschool Yoga
» Plant a Seed of Kindness (Ages 3-6)
» Dot Art Mandalas (Teens)
» Tiny Paint Night (Tweens & Teens)
» DIY Fidget Toys (Tweens & Teens)
» Teen Only Teeny Tiny Farm
» Kitten Cuddles with Billy the Kidden Rescue (Teens)
» Relax with Reptiles (Teens)
» Coping Strategies to Build Resiliency (Adults)
» Digital Positivity Boards (Teens)
Hosted by Virginia Beach Public Library.
Some events require registration. For program information and to sign up, click the link below.
DHS Mental Health Awareness Events
Multiple Dates and Times
May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
- Adverse Childhood Experiences Training
- Question Persuade Refer (QPR) Training
- Help Me Understand Seminars
- Depression'
- Childhood Anxiety and Trauma
Hosted by the Virginia Beach Department of Human Services (DHS).
For more information about the events, call (757) 385-0803.
Show Your "Love For VB"
We know that for many, remembrance and reflection are a personal experience. Here are a few ways you can remember in your own way and show “Love For VB.”
Social Media Frames
Show your support by adding a 5/31 Remembrance Frame to your social media profile photo.
Frames from previous years are still available.
Coloring Sheets
Gain the therapeutic benefits of coloring by completing one of these coloring sheets and place it somewhere visible for all to see. Full color options are also available.
Go Blue
Wear blue in remembrance on Wednesday, May 31. The below image is a graphic for concept only. Not available for sale.
A Moment of Silence
Partake in a moment of silence on Tuesday, May 31, at 4:06 p.m., the time that the first 911 call was received. Individuals are asked to pause wherever they are at that time.
Love For VB Around Town
Look for the Love For VB around the City of Virginia Beach.
Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center
The Love For VB symbol will be displayed on the “Love” sign at the Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center, 341 S Birdneck Road.
Mount Trashmore
Our forget-me-not flower will again be painted at Mt. Trashmore on the front of the hill just below the City seal.
City Buildings & Bridges
City facilities and bridges including Building 30, the Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Greenwich and Lesner Bridge will light up blue in remembrance.
Remembrance Flags
Remembrance flags, featuring the Love For VB symbol, will be flown at more than 40 locations throughout the city.
